Town Administrator Michael Mullen, together with the Board of Health and Solid Waste Committee, would like to share changes to Dighton’s textile, mattress and recycling programs following recently implemented Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) solid waste ban regulations.
Late last year, in accordance with MassDEP’s 2030 Solid Waste Master Plan objective to reduce disposal statewide by 30% over the next decade, MassDEP established new rules requiring that mattresses and textiles be kept out of the trash so they can be recycled or donated for reuse.
“Town officials and Solid Waste Committee volunteers have been working hard during the last few months to implement the changes required under the new state regulations,” said Town Administrator Mullen. “These mandates and the current challenges of the solid waste industry are requiring us to look thoughtfully and carefully at how Dighton will adapt to these issues, which remain outside of our control. We appreciate the patience and cooperation of all Dighton residents as we continue working to ensure the sustainability of these important services.”
At the recommendation of the Town’s Solid Waste Committee, the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Health implemented an updated Transfer Station Fee Schedule last month. The Town also entered into agreements with new textile and mattress recycling program providers.
New Dighton Textile Recycling Program
Building on the success of Dighton’s ‘Pink Bag’ Textile Recycling Program, town officials in November contracted with CMRK’s Big Brother Big Sister Program to perform textile recycling services for town residents.
Residents now have the ability to conveniently schedule Curbside Textile Pick-Up of textiles and small household items at their home by pre-registering for a pickup in the following ways:
- Visit www.bbbsfoundation.org/schedule-a-pickup to schedule a pick-up;
- Call the CMRK’s Big Brother Big Sister Program Voice Mail Box at 508-466-4590 and leave a message with your name, phone number and address. A scheduling representative will call back to confirm an appointment within two business days.
- Text ‘PICKUP’ to 508-466-4590 with your name, phone and address.
Registered residents will receive a notification the day prior to the pick-up service. They will also receive a reminder notification on the day of pick-up.
The following are textiles and household items accepted for curbside pick-up:
- Bagged Items that are Accepted for Curbside Pick-Up:
- All types, sizes of Clothing (women, men, children)
- Household Textiles (blankets, towels, curtains)
- All Shoes and Sneakers
- Accessories (purses, backpacks, belts, jewelry, hats, gloves, socks and more)
- Boxed Items that are Accepted for Curbside Pick-Up
- Kitchen Accessories (pots, pans, dishes, microwave, glasses)
- Small Décor Items (vases, picture frames, paintings)
- Small Musical Instruments
- Books and DVDs
- Bicycles
Textile and Book Recycling Bins Now Available at Transfer Station
Town officials have also made Textile and Book Recycling Bins available at the Dighton Transfer Station.
Residents can also drop off unwanted clothing, shoes and books in drop boxes located at 865 Tremont St., North Dighton, during the Transfer Station’s regular hours of operation on Wednesdays from 9-11 a.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in drop boxes are limited only to unwanted clothing, shoes and books.
Requirements of New Mattress Recycling Program at Dighton Transfer Station
In addition to encouraging residents to take advantage of retailer haul-away options when purchasing new mattresses and utilizing state resources like MassDEP’s Beyond the Bin Recycling Directory, the Town of Dighton has also contracted with Ace Mattress Recycling to provide residents with the ability to properly dispose of unwanted mattresses at the Dighton Transfer Station.
Through its partnership with the town, Ace Mattress dismantles the lowest common parts of recycled mattresses to redistribute or reuse 95% of the mattress material.
An annual Transfer Station Sticker is required to dispose of unwanted mattresses at the Dighton Transfer Station.
The cost for Dighton residents to dispose of unwanted, suitable mattresses at the Transfer Station is currently $40. Residents who plan to recycle an unwanted mattress at the Transfer Station must keep the mattress indoors, dry, and free from any contaminants prior to delivering it to the Transfer Station. Mattresses screened and deemed as unacceptable and not suitable to be recycled will be charged $125.
Mattresses that will be deemed as unacceptance and not suited for recycling by the Transfer Station Attendant include those that are:
- Excessively wet or frozen
- Severely twisted, punctured or crushed
- Infested with bed bugs or other living organisms
- Exceptionally soiled or moldy
Residents with any questions about these changes are encouraged to contact the Dighton Health Department at 774-872-0943.
###
