Recent Changes at the Lee Transfer Station

Presented by Dean Rubine, Solid Waste Advisory Committee - 

A changing world means changes to how we recycle in Lee

Mixed paper has changed. In particular, wet strength paper is no longer acceptable. That is paper that holds its strength when wet. It gums up the pulping machines; therefore, recycling companies are no longer accepting it. Wet strength is primarily used for beer and soda can cases and frozen food. Most other containers are acceptable mixed paper, which absorbs water then pulps when rubbed.  

ACCEPTABLE: Cereal boxes, mac and cheese boxes, OTC medication boxes and the like, known as chipboard, are acceptable as mixed paper. Paper egg cartons, magazines, books without covers, office paper and paper mail, including envelopes, are acceptable.

 NOT ACCEPTABLE:  Waxy paper, wet strength paper, wrapping paper, tissue paper or paper towels are NOT permitted as mixed paper.  If you’re not sure ask the staff.

If your paper isn’t newspaper bin or mixed paper bin worthy, it goes into the regular trash (MSW) bin. There’s no need to bag it; you may collect it in a bin and throw it in the MSW unbagged.

Glass has changed. We can now accept glass bottles and jars only. No Pyrex, porcelain, ceramics or other non-glass material is allowed. Toilets, mirrors, windows and the like are Construction Debris. Please ask the staff for assistance in disposal.

Plastic. In a rare bit of good news, it is now acceptable to leave the caps on plastic bottles. That applies to all three types, #1 water/soda bottles, milk jugs and solid shampoo/detergent jugs. Containers larger than two and a half gallons are not allowed.

Compost. The town’s food waste composting pilot program is going great. Sign up at sbullek@leenh.com to participate.