Brookhaven is set to revamp its curbside recycling program, introducing new material categories, adjusted collection days, and clearer guidelines for residents. The overhaul aims to boost diversion rates, reduce contamination, and align the town with statewide sustainability goals. As the rollout approaches, homeowners can start preparing now to keep their bins compliant and their neighborhoods cleaner.
What new materials will be accepted in the updated system?
The revised plan expands the list of recyclable items beyond the traditional paper, cardboard, and single‑family plastics. Residents can now place clean aluminum cans, steel food‑service trays, and certain types of flexible packaging—such as clean PET wrappers—into the blue bin. Glass bottles and jars remain accepted, but the municipality asks that they be rinsed and placed in a separate crush‑proof container to prevent breakage. Items like plastic bags, Styrofoam, and electronics will still require drop‑off at designated recycling centers.
How will collection schedules be adjusted?
To accommodate the broader material mix, the town will shift from a bi‑weekly to a weekly recycling pickup in most neighborhoods. Households on a bi‑weekly paper schedule will receive a supplemental collection day for plastics and metals, reducing overflow on the primary day. The schedule change is designed to keep trucks from overfilling and to give residents more flexibility in sorting.
Which items still need special handling?
Even with the expanded list, some waste streams stay outside curbside service. Hazardous household waste—including batteries, paint, and chemicals—must be taken to the municipal hazardous waste facility. Large items such as mattresses, appliances, and yard debris are scheduled for periodic bulk‑pickup events. Residents are encouraged to check the town’s online portal for drop‑off locations and event calendars.
What environmental benefits can residents expect?
By diverting a greater share of plastics and metals, Brookhaven anticipates cutting landfill waste by roughly 15 % over the next two years. Recovering aluminum and steel saves significant energy compared with producing new metal, and higher-quality paper streams improve the efficiency of paper mills. The program also supports the state’s target of a 50 % recycling rate by 2030, positioning Brookhaven as a model for suburban sustainability.
What common pitfalls should residents avoid?
Contamination remains the biggest hurdle. Items that are greasy, wet, or improperly sorted can clog sorting equipment, leading to increased processing costs and missed recycling opportunities. Residents should rinse containers, remove caps, and avoid mixing non‑recyclables with recyclables. Additionally, placing too many heavy items in a single bin can cause bags to tear, creating litter on the street.
How can households prepare now?
Start by reviewing the upcoming schedule on the town’s website and marking the new pickup days on a family calendar. Set up a dedicated sorting station in the kitchen or garage, using clearly labeled bins for paper, plastics, metals, and glass. A quick “rinse‑and‑drop” habit—giving each container a brief rinse—can dramatically lower contamination rates. Finally, keep an eye on town communications for any pilot programs or community workshops that offer hands‑on sorting demonstrations.
Byvandring I Griegs Fotspor — Bergen Offentlige Bibliotek
Byvandring i Griegs fotspor — Bergen Offentlige Bibliotek