If all we get is 5%, maybe it is time to ask what can we do better?

When most people toss a plastic bottle or cup into the recycling bin, they assume that means the plastic is recycled – but a new report lays bare how rarely that actually happens.

According to the Last Beach Cleanup and Beyond Plastics, the organization behind the report released on Wednesday, the recycling rate for post-consumer plastic was just 5% to 6% in 2021.

The Department of Energy also released a research paper this week, which analyzed data from 2019, and came to the same number: only 5% of plastics are being recycled. The researchers on that report wrote that landfilled plastic waste in the United States has been on the rise for many reasons, including “low recycling rates, population growth, consumer preference for single-use plastics, and low disposal fees in certain parts of the country”, according to a press release.

Continue reading the article (subscription may be required)

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/may/04/us-recycling-plastic-waste 

Last Beach Cleanup & Beyond Plastics report -> 

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eda91260bbb7e7a4bf528d8/t/62726edceb7cc742d53eb073/1651666652743/The+Real+Truth+about+the+U.S.+Plastic+Recycling+Rate+2021+Facts+and+Figures+_5-4-22.pdf

Dept of Energy report ->    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0921344922002087?via%3Dihub

 

If all we get is 5%, maybe it is time to ask what can we do better?

Notice from DPW: Trash Completion to be conducted in the morning of February 19, 2022

Notice from DPW: Trash Completion for February 18, 2022

Notice from DPW:

Due to delays at the disposal location this week for trash our drivers are out of DOT hours for the day. We will be unable to complete about 1 hour of trash service. We will service this tomorrow morning (2/19/22).

Please see area in blue to the attached photo.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/notice-dpw-trash-completion-february-18th-2022

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/6f1ca740-96ba-4f41-81a1-d071e50bbdaa.png

Recycle Your Beer Carriers And Corks at Franklin Liquors

"It’s estimated* that at least 10 million new plastic can carriers are used annually by breweries in Massachusetts, with just 10% of them being collected and re-used, and less than 2% of them ever getting recycled.  As a result, the amount of plastic beer packaging waste ending up in landfills each year is enough to fill any of the state’s largest breweries with discarded carriers rather than beer. 

Now you can bring them to Franklin Liquors to be reused by local breweries!"

Yes, a local answer to the issue raised in 2021.    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/did-you-know-that-plastic-beer-carriers.html

Recycle Your Beer Carriers at Franklin Liquors

And Franklin Liquors will also recycle natural wine corks!

We also want your corks!!

Bring your natural wine corks to Franklin Liquors to be recycled!

Recycling your natural wine corks helps replace environmentally harmful, petroleum-based materials in consumer products with a natural, sustainable alternative.

Find out which wines use natural cork and which ones don’t. When you reach for a bottle, look for those with natural corks. https://recork.com/corkwatch

 

Recycle Your Natural Corks at Franklin Liquors

Shared from Franklin Liquors page ->    https://franklinliquors.wordpress.com/2022/01/18/recycle-your-corks-and-beer-carriers/

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 19, 2022

 
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. December 15, 2021  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/december_15_2021_tc_meeting_minutes_-_draft_for_review.pdf
b. January 5, 2022  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/january_5_2022_tc_meeting_minutes_-_draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation/Recognition: Police Department: Retirement - Sgt. Brian Johnson

b. Proclamation/Recognition: Police Department: Retirement - Patrol Officer Rick Grover

c. Recognition: Police Department: Moving On - Kallie Montagano, Clinical Social Worker

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm - None Scheduled
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS- None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. FY23 Department of Public Works Budget & Enterprise Fund Preview Brutus Cantoreggi, Director of Public Works

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._presentation_dpw_budget_.pdf
 
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-04: Adoption of 2021-2022 Town Council Goals (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-74 - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10a._22-04.pdf

b. Resolution 22-05: FY22 Transfer of MECC Appropriation (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-74 - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10b._22-05.pdf

c. Resolution 22-06: Gift Acceptance - Senior Center ($1,700)  (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-74 - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10c._22-06.pdf

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEM

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

15. ADJOURN

Note:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Full agenda doc from Town of Franklin page (including remote connection info ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/tc_agenda_jan_19_2022.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 19, 2022

Town of Franklin, MA: Reminder that the tree collection will be held Jan 10 to Jan 14

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted on Fri, Jan 07, 2022:

The Franklin Department of Public Works will commence Christmas Tree Collection Jan 10 - Jan 14 during normal trash collection hours https://t.co/UTgy7aDjaQ

 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1479471398036856832

Reminder that the tree collection will be held Jan 10 to Jan 14

Franklin Residents: One Day Trash Delay due to snow storm on Friday, Jan 7, 2022

Trash and recycling will be delayed one day on Jan 7, so trash normal picked up on Friday will be picked up on Saturday Jan 8, 2022.

There is no scheduled delay for the week of Jan 10, 2022

One Day Trash Delay due to snow storm on Friday, Jan 7, 2022

No Trash Delay ~ Dec. 20-24 and Dec. 27-31

No Trash Delay ~ Dec. 20-24 and Dec. 27-31

No Trash Delay ~ Dec. 20-24 and Dec. 27-31

Shared from the Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/no-trash-delay-dec-20-24-and-dec-27-31

10/8/2021 Recycling Pickup Update

10/8/2021 Recycling Pickup Update

A portion of yesterdays (10/7/21) recycling route was not collected, today (10/8/21) collection will continue at the point at which it left off yesterday. Additional information has been posted on the DPW Facebook page.   https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW

Shared from Town of Franklin -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/1082021-recycling-pickup-update

10/8/2021 Recycling Pickup Update

Attention Franklin: Recycling and Energy Drive - Sep 18 (video promo)

Join us in Franklin on Saturday, September 18 for a recycling and energy drive. 

You'll be able to recycle furniture and donate it to Habitat For Humanity, recycle electronics, and learn about saving energy and reducing costs. 

The event is free and if you bring an old dehumidifier, you can get $30 from National Grid. You most likely have several of these items in your home. The Green Team team will unload them from your vehicle. 

Check out the video chat with State Representative Jeff Roy and Fred Cullen to see how the event works.  Link to video ->  https://www.dropbox.com/s/vs1t4fk26ijv3l4/Green-team-Jeffrey%20Roy_v2.mp4?dl=0

Check out the Green Team webpage for more info -> gogreenteamjunk.com/

Link to MA Legislature Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy as mentioned during the video  https://malegislature.gov/Committees/Detail/J37/About

items accepted

rebate

sponsors

Recycling and Energy Drive - Sep 18

"We’re coming to Franklin!!  And we hope to see you there!  You most likely have several of these items in your home.  Our team will unload them from your vehicle.  

Click on the images to see more information about the Franklin Recycling and Energy Drive and bonus Dehumidifier Rebate.

Set a reminder for September 18, 9 AM - 12 noon at Chilson Beach -Beaver St Recreation area. 

It’s a drive through event through the Parking Lot.  

Please see the list of items being accepted below."

Shared from Facebook ->   https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/2984423341827672/

* Updated headline with correct date of Sep 18

items accepted

rebate

sponsors

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - August 18, 2021

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29.  This meeting may be recorded by others.

Chair to identify Council Members participating remotely

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

None Scheduled

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

Proclamation/Recognition: Dale Kurtz - Retirement, Veterans Service Officer

Recognition: Bristol Savings Bank - Donation to the Fire Department 

Recognition: Fourth of July Committee - Joe Carmignani & Paul Kortick

5. APPOINTMENTS

None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm

Zoning Bylaw Amendment 21-874: Amendment to Ch.185 Section 21 Parking, Loading, and Driveway Requirements (to be continued)

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

99 Restaurants of Boston, LLC d/b/a 99 Restaurant Pub #30130, Located at 847 West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038, Change of Manager

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

Department of Public Works: Trash & Recycling
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/8a._ppt_trash_fee_1.pdf

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

• Capital Budget Subcommittee
• Budget Subcommittee
• Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 21-46: Gift Acceptance, Fire Department, $25,000 - Bristol County Savings Bank (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-46 - Majority Vote)

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 21-47: Gift Acceptance, Fire Department $5,000 and Police Department $5,000 - Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-47 - Majority Vote)

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 21-48: Gift Acceptance, Police Department $10, Recreation Department $250, Veterans Department $200 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-48 - Majority Vote)

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 21-49: Acceptance of Access Easement Over Property Located at 340 East Central Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-49 - Majority Vote)

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Bylaw Amendment 21-875: Chapter 82, Trash and Recycling Fee Increase - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 21-875 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

None Scheduled

ADJOURN

Note: 

• Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
• Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting 

The agenda page can be found ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/august-18-town-council-agenda

The one doc PDF of the agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/08-18-2021_town_council_agenda_packet.pdf

DPW: Trash & Recycling fee increase proposed

Electronics Recycling Event - May 29

**SOCIAL DISTANCING WILL BE OBSERVED. PLEASE WEAR YOUR MASK**

Join us for our annual Electronics Recycling Event Saturday, May 29th from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. We are accepting ALL electronics, appliances and bikes! 🔌♻

St. Mary's Church -Benjamin Franklin School Parking Lot

201 Main Street

Franklin, MA

Accepting any and all electronics and appliances, including TV’s, monitors, computers, printers, microwaves, AC’s, washers, dryers, lawn mowers and any item that has a plug.

Costs to You:

⚫ $5 each for Computers, DVD Players, Small Printers, Laptops, Misc. Electronics. (Hard drives will be destroyed)

⚫ $10 each for Microwaves, Small Household Appliances, Small Yard Equipment

⚫ $15 each for Computer Monitors, AC’s, Dehumidifiers. Large Printers, Range top Microwaves.

⚫ $20 each for TVs up to 24,” Washing Machines, Dryers, Stoves, Large Appliances, Dishwashers, Exercise Equipment, Grills, Large Yard Equipment

⚫ $25 each for TVs between 25” and 31,” and Large Refrigerators

⚫ $30 each for TVs between 32” and 35”

⚫ $35 each TVs over 36”

⚫ $40 each for Projection TVs

⚫ NO CHARGE for Cell Phones, Bikes, Car or Truck Batteries

Computer Hard Drives will be destroyed.

ALL TOWNS WELCOME, RAIN OR SHINE, ZERO LANDFILL, CASH PREFERRED, CHECK ACCEPTED (Over $30)

Please Share and Spread the Word!

Questions? Contact: GreenDayRecyclingMA@Gmail.com

 

Follow the Facebook event -> https://www.facebook.com/events/2756606877935257

 

Electronics Recycling Event - May 29

Did you know that plastic beer carriers can't be recycled (even though they are labeled as 100% recyclable)

"It’s estimated* that at least 10 million new plastic can carriers are used annually by breweries in Massachusetts, with just 10% of them being collected and re-used, and less than 2% of them ever getting recycled. As a result, the amount of plastic beer packaging waste ending up in landfills each year is enough to fill any of the state’s largest breweries with discarded carriers rather than beer.

A number of factors have combined to create a perfect storm in which carriers end up in the hands of consumers who pitch them into their curbside recycling bins because manufacturers market them as “100% recyclable.” But the state’s RecycleSmart website, an initiative of the Massachusetts department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and its three largest waste disposal companies (Casella, Republic, and Waste Management) all say that plastic carriers and six-pack rings are incompatible with sorting equipment. As a result, they get rejected and sent to landfill or incineration, both of which have negative impacts on the environment."

https://massbrewbros.com/just-one-tenth-of-plastic-can-carriers-get-re-used-or-recycled-in-massachusetts-a-team-of-eco-minded-breweries-and-environmental-groups-plan-to-change-that/

my small collection ready to recycle somewhere

The map displays locations where the carriers can be recycled:

No trash/recycle pick up delay until Memorial Day

Yes, it is Patriots Day. While Town offices, the Library, etc. are closed today, there is no one day delay for trash/recycle this week. There is no delay on the calendar until May when Memorial Day rolls around.

The current issue of the recycling flyer can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/franklin_program_guide_2020-2021.pdf

No trash/recycle pick up delay until Memorial Day

No one day delay for trash/recycle on the calendar until May (Memorial Day)

No one day delay for trash/recycle on the calendar until May (Memorial Day).

Carry on!

The current issue of the recycling flyer can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/franklin_program_guide_2020-2021.pdf

No one day delay for trash/recycle on the calendar until May (Memorial Day)

Franklin Residents: Trash / Recycling Update

Trash / Recycling Update

Curbside trash/recycling will continue to be picked up. Waste Management has caught up from all delays caused by the snow storm and the remainder of the week will proceed as scheduled. Thank you for your patience!

Shared from:  https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/trash-recycling-update

Franklin Residents: Trash / Recycling Update

Bicycle recycling Event - Oct 24

Here’s an opportunity to get rid of those unwanted bicycles cluttering up your garage or shed: donate them for a good cause at the charity bike drive being held Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Franklin Recreation Department Headquarters located at 275 Beaver Street in Franklin, MA. 

The bike drive is being held by Franklin High School senior Alex Gardenier, who is an Eagle Scout candidate with Boy Scout Troop 99. He is conducting the bike drive to benefit the charitable organization Bikes Not Bombs (https://bikesnotbombs.org/about). 

For more details on what, when, etc.  https://02038.com/2020/10/charity-bike-drive-in-franklin-oct-24/

Bicycle recycling Event - Oct 24

 

 

No trash delay this week - Regular schedule

Monday is a holiday for some but not for the trash/recycle schedule this week.

If you misplaced the Trash/Recycling mailer, you can get another copy online

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/franklin_program_guide_2020-2021.pdf

No trash delay this week - Regular schedule

THE pizza box recycle story: yes, it can be recycled (no food, moderate grease)

Derek Adams replied to my email asking for clarification on the responses raised when we had shared the pizza box recycle update earlier this week.

Derek's response: (bold added for my emphasis)

"I spent today (Friday) at the Recycling Center. Together, the lead employee and I called Miller Recycling (our vendor for cardboard at the Recycling Center). We asked whether or not they accept Pizza Boxes with grease on them. They responded that they do, in fact, accept pizza boxes with moderate grease (however, zero food waste accepted with their recycling program).

I have also spent this week reaching out to Waste Management. There has been discrepancies between the contacts I have at Waste Management regarding their curbside policy. Ultimately, I have received correspondence that indicates Waste Management accepts “No-Food Pizza Boxes” as recyclable material. This is our policy moving forward.

If residents find they are having issues recycling pizza boxes in their curbside recycling bins, they should feel free to contact me to mitigate any potential problems.

Thank you for bringing this issue to light! "

Hopefully  for this recycle item going forward, let Derek know (copy me please, so if there is any change, I can be sure to spread the good word.)

Derek's email is dadams@franklinma.gov

You can also reach Derek via the request form on the Recycling/Sold Waste page  https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste

The original post this week  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/recycling-reminder-boxyes-pizzano.html

The pizza box story: yes, it can be recycled (no food, moderate grease)

Recycling reminder: The box=YES! The Pizza=NO!

Recycling reminder: The box=YES!  The Pizza=NO! 

 

Don't forget to add those empty pizza boxes to your recycling bins!  

 

• Shared from Twitter:https://t.co/ZcMur2WsRM

 

For the recycling guide https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/franklin_program_guide_2020-2021.pdf

 

For additional info on what to or not to recycle, visit the Solid Waste page at the Town of Franklin   https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste

 

 

Recycling reminder: The box=YES!  The Pizza=NO!