DPW Autumn Recycling Events at 108 Carlisle Road

Residents welcome when the compost center is open, but wait here if there’s a crowd.

The Department of Public Works is providing Bedford residents the opportunity to recycle or reuse a myriad of materials on two Saturdays, October 3 and 10. Both events are open to Bedford residents only and will take place from 9 am to 12 noon at the Compost Center at 108 Carlisle Road.

The Compost Center will be closed for yard waste drop-off on October 3 but it will be open on October 10.

“The DPW’s objective is to offer residents a safe opportunity to properly recycle materials that don’t go in the recycling cart and to get items reused rather than disposed of as trash,” said Ed McGrath, Bedford’s Recycling Coordinator. “To promote social distancing and to protect all involved, we relocated the collection events to the Compost Center.

“Residents should stay in their vehicles. The DPW crew and vendors will remove materials from the rear of their vehicle.”

On Saturday, October 3

Bedford residents will have the opportunity to get rid of electronic waste, debris from renovations, scrap metal, rigid plastics, tires, propane tanks, and expired fire extinguishers. In addition, Household Goods in Acton and Habitat for Humanity will be accepting a number of items.

Household Goods assists people in need who are establishing themselves in a new home. The organization needs kitchen/dining tables, sets of matching kitchen/dining chairs (2 or more), couches with no rips, stains, cat scratches, etc. Household Goods will also accept clean and stain-free blankets, dishtowels, sheets, towels, pots and pans, dishware, and sets of silverware. Dishes should be packaged well enough to travel without breaking.
Habitat for Humanity will be accepting hardwood furniture in good, sellable condition and upholstered sofas and chairs if they are in pristine condition (e.g. no animal hair, tears, stains, etc.). Habitat will also take dishes and other household goods (e.g. framed artwork), as well as certain building materials like countertops and cabinets.

“Both organizations are looking for reusable items. So, if you’re wondering if your item can be donated, ask yourself if you would give it to a family member or friend. If yes, bring it. If no, schedule a bulk waste pick up,” McGrath said. “Dishes, glasses, and other breakable items should be packed to survive the trip back to each location.”

Electronic Waste RMG Enterprises will collect household electronics like stereos and small portable kitchen appliances (e.g. blenders, toasters, and coffee makers); Televisions, computer monitors, computers, laptops, printers, and other office equipment; mobile devices, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers.

“RMG will take most anything with a plug or rechargeable battery,” said McGrath, “but will not accept refrigerators, full-size ovens, dryers, or washing machines.”

Renovation Debris Acceptable renovation debris from residential projects includes unpainted or unstained gypsum wallboard (drywall) and wood, concrete bricks, asphalt pavement, masonry, plaster, and metal. Also accepted will be toilets, sinks, vanities, and roofing shingles. Unacceptable items include hazardous materials, asbestos, and any type of paint.
Rigid Plastic Acceptable items include recycling bins, laundry baskets, plastic crates, 5-gallon pails, yard toys, broken plastic chairs, and other outdoor furniture items

Saturday, October 10

Residents will be able to get all those old files they’ve amassed shredded. In addition, the DPW will be accepting sealed lead-acid batteries, rechargeable batteries, fluorescent lamps, and other items containing mercury.