By Michelle Moskowitz
Sentinel Correspondent
In this day and age, most people are aware of the importance of recycling and its overall effect on the environment.
Since the town adopted single stream recycling (SSR) in 2011, it has benefitted in a myriad of ways.
SSR allows for combining an expanded list of household recyclables in just one large container through a single weekly collection.
As opposed to “dual stream,” SSR allows for items such as glass, metals, plastics, mixed paper, newspaper, cardboard, steel and aluminum to be placed together for collection in one large bin (with a lid is preferred) by one hauler.
This reporter spoke with Fred Camillo, state representative for 151st District, who has been championing the importance of recycling long before serving in public office; he is a founding member and officer of Greenwich Recycling, which he began in 1991.
Indeed, Greenwich has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to adopting recycling practices that would benefit the community. It was one of the very first towns to adopt the mixed paper recycling method, prior to upgrading to SSR.
The SSR process makes it far more efficient (and fail proof) for residents to engage in and maintain daily recycling practices while significantly cutting down on wasted materials that were once thrown into the ground as garbage.
Gone are the days when Greenwichites had to drag their blue bins to the curb for pick up and undergo the process of separating their mixed paper.
The SSR process also ensures our dirt and water are kept clean, which is particularly important as the growth of organic, GMO-free foods becomes more ubiquitous.
Greenwich residents who do not have a waste hauler are welcome to utilize the Holly Hill dump facility, free of charge, for both garbage and recycling purposes, provided they have a dumping permit sticker or a current year’s beach parking sticker.
Station hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Saturday 7 a.m. to noon.
In addition to the benefits of the streamlined process for residents and workers alike, many economic advantages emanate from SSR.
Greenwich incurs significantly reduced fees derived from a reduction in municipal solid waste, while simultaneously generating a good revenue stream from all its recycled materials that leave the town.
“It’s truly a win-win for Greenwich,” Camillo said. “Everything we use should have a destination that includes another life.”
Camillo addressed the importance of rinsing out jars and containers to prevent contamination; also, cleaner materials left outside are less likely to attract unwanted animals.
He added that people need to be diligent when disposing of trash on the streets in town, where there are clearly marked bins for both recycling and garbage.
“It breaks my heart to see people contaminate the recycling bins with garbage, as that hurts the town financially and the globe environmentally,” said Camillo.
Other municipalities that have adopted single stream recycling practices have seen their waste go to 80 percent recyclables and 20 percent trash volume.
“Landfills may be a thing of the past locally, but we must continue to improve our recycling rates so that the eventual goal of 100 percent is attained in our lifetimes and that the earth is never used again in such a manner,” Camillo said.
Please visit greenwichct.org to see the full list of recyclable items.
Additional items accepted for recycling only at Holly Hill include air conditioners, anti-freeze, automotive parts, batteries, boilers, Christmas trees, clothing, dehumidifiers, electronics and fluorescent light bulbs.
Please visit greenwichct.org for more information, or call the Town Hall Department of Works at (203) 622-7700.
