Background

An Overview of the Recycling Program in Natick

Curbside Recycling

Drop-off recycling

Why Recycle?

Items collected at Curbside and the Recycling Center in Natick

Plastic: Recycling by the Numbers

Paper Recycling: Save a Tree

Supporting the Market for Recycled Goods

Closet Treasures: Used Clothing and Children’s Toys

Get the Bed Out: Household Items and Furniture

Off the Shelf: Used Books

The Green Garage: Waste Oil, Fluorescents and  Batteries

Name Your Poison: Common Household Toxics

Hazardous Waste Collection Day

From Rot to Riches: Backyard Composting

Additional Resources

Greener Business: Recycling at Work

Sources

Preface to the Third Edition / December 2001

The town of Natick is now in its sixth year of a very successful curbside recycling program.  We now recycle about 28% of our waste. There is still need for improvement and for citizen involvement.  This handbook contains information about the recycling program in Natick and also about other resources in the community to help you find ways to avoid throwing things away.  We hope you find this book useful and join us in our efforts to reduce our solid wastes.

Credits

Writers and Researchers
Patricia Severance, Denise Nelken, Terry Miller, Nancy Higgins, Jeanne Stanton 

Recycling Committee Chairperson
Terry Miller

The Town of Natick has two parts to its recycling program: Curbside Recycling and Drop-off Recycling at the Recycling Center on West Street.

Curbside Recycling
Alternate-week Curbside Recycling is for residents with municipal trash collection.  Items collected are:

• Glass, bottles, jars [info]
• Tin, aluminum [info]
• #1 and #2 plastics [info]
• waxed containers (such as juice and milk cartons) [info]
• Newspapers, mixed paper, magazines, catalogues, phone books [info]
• Boxes and corrugated cardboard [flattened] [info]

Yard waste and Christmas trees go the Recycling Center for composting and shredding for mulch.  The citizens of Natick can also bring these items to the recycling center. Compost and mulch are available at no cost.

• For a map to the Recycling Center, click here [opens in a new browser window].

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All residents and businesses with or without curbside collection may drop-off any curbside materials at the Recycling Center.  The items below will be accepted only at the Recycling Center. Yard waste may be brought to the Recycling Center year round.
 

Items accepted at the Recycling Center

	Used motor oil	Clothing
	Paint (usable oil or latex)	Fluorescent bulbs
	Household and car batteries	Button batteries
	Thermometers and Thermostats

There are plans for a swap area for furniture, household items, and books.

• For a map to the Recycling Center, click here [opens in a new browser window].

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There are economic and environmental reasons for recycling. We can save the town almost $100 in tipping fees for every ton of waste that does not go to the Millbury Incinerator.  By recycling 2,933  tons in 2000, the town saved money in tipping fees and also decreased the gas mileage and man-hours needed to haul the garbage to Millbury.  The town also gets revenue for every ton of paper that goes to Natick Paperboard.

Recycling saves reusable materials such as aluminum, glass, and metal thus conserving our natural resources and cutting the cost and energy needs in manufacturing.  By removing plastic from the waste stream we reduce the amount of gas emissions from incinerators and reduce the non-degradable mass in landfills.  We can reduce water and soil pollution by collecting used motor oil and batteries.  We can also reduce the mercury content in the incinerators by recycling mercury from thermometers, thermostats and fluorescent bulbs.

The next vital link to improving recycling in the United States is to buy recycled products and encourage businesses and stores to offer recycled products and use recyclable packaging.  By proving that there is a market for these products and supporting vendors that offer recycled products it will hopefully encourage other businesses to follow. New products on the market made from recycled materials include plastic fencing, outdoor furniture, fleece and fiberfill clothing and decorative and functional articles from computer parts.
Items collected at Curbside and the Recycling Center in Natick

Paper
Newspaper, magazines, junk mail, phonebooks, boxes, corrugated cardboard, gift wrap (no foil wrap) and soft covered books are all accepted. These are taken to Natick Paperboard and made into paperboard for cereal boxes, pizza boxes and other product containers.  Waxed containers (such as juice and milk cartons) are also accepted.  For more information about paper recycling, click here.

Glass
All glass bottles and jars can be melted down and made into new glass containers.  They are first sorted by color and then melted.  It takes 50% less water and 12% less energy to reuse glass than producing glass from raw materials. Currently, only 20% of glass is recycled in the United States.

Steel/tin cans
All cans, bottle caps and lids can be remade into new cans.  About 53% of cans are being recycled in the U.S.

Aluminum
All aluminum cans foil, pie plates and food trays can be recycled into new aluminum.  It takes 95% less energy to make aluminum from recycled materials than from raw bauxite ore.  About 54% is being recycled in the U.S. today. Aluminum is collected at curbside and at the recycling center.

Plastic
We are currently collecting in Natick PETE (#1)  and HDPE (#2) type plastic.  These two types of plastic have had a good resale value due to the expanding new uses being found for these products.  For more information about plastic recycling, click here.

Waste oil
There is a waste oil tank at the Recycling Center on West Street which opened in 1993.  Oil must be free of contaminates such as antifreeze or gasoline.  Having a place for people to take their waste oil reduces the amount of illegally dumped oil into the water and soil in our town.  We collected over 4000 gallons in 2000.

Yard and lawn waste
Natick has a composting and brush grinding program at the recycle center.  Grass clippings, hedge trimmings, leaves and tree branches can be brought to the recycling center throughout the year.  A resident sticker for your car must be obtained at the Recycle Center before using this service.  Curbside pickup is also done for several weeks in the Fall and Spring.  Christmas trees are picked up the first two weeks in January.  Yard waste must be in paper or plastic bags that are biodegradable.  The waste is turned into compost and mulch. This program collects around 6,000 tons a year, and is mandated by the state.

Citizens are encouraged to start composting at home. The DPW offers compost bins at a reduced cost.  [Click here for composting information]

Batteries
All types of household, button and auto batteries are now collected at the recycling center.  Batteries are hazardous waste.  Never put them in the trash.

Paint
The new paint shed is open from Spring to Fall for citizens to drop off reusable oil and latex paints or pick up some free paint for their own use.  Stain and varnishes are not accepted but may be disposed of on Hazardous Waste Collection Day.

Clothing
Bins for Pine Street Inn and the Salvation Army are located at the Recycling Center; see the chapter on used clothing for other ideas.

Mercury
Mercury-containing items: fluorescent bulbs, thermometers, and thermostats are collected at the Recycling Center. The mercury is removed to prevent release of mercury in the incinerators. Last year we recycled 5,200 feet of fluorescent lamps.

Computers and TVs
These items are picked up by appointment because of state regulations regarding the disposal of any lead content.  The lead is removed from the screens and the computer parts are reused or refurbished.  Last year we collected 10.67 tons of electronic equipment.  The charge currently is $20 for pickup; call the DPW at (508) 647-6556.

Scrap metal
Scrap metal, including appliances such as stoves and refrigerators, is sent to Millis Industries.  The freon is carefully removed from refrigerators to avoid its being released into the atmosphere [it destroys the ozone layer.]  Any appliance may be picked up by the DPW for a fee of $20.00. This can be arranged by calling the DPW at (508) 647-6556.  Working appliances can be donated or sold.  [Click here for Household items and furniture]

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There are many types of plastic used in consumer goods and packaging.  Some is more recyclable than others. New uses are being developed to help reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills or incinerators. Below is a list of the plastics used by manufacturers to define the different types of plastic.

#1 P.E.T.E  [Polyethylene terephthlate]
This is used to make clear containers for liquids and foods such as soda bottles or vegetable oil.  It is one of the more reusable plastics.  It is now made into fiber for clothing, polar fleece and fiberfill for outerwear and sleeping bags.  It can be 100% recycled.  In the past, 34% of P.E.T.E. bottles were being recycled.  With new uses, it will hopefully become more valuable recycled than thrown out.

# 2 H.D.P.E. [High Density Polyethylene]
Some 62% of all plastic bottles are made of H.D.P.E  This includes milk and water bottles, detergents, bleaches, and other opaque containers.  It can now be used to make plastic lumber or fences, decks and outdoor furniture.

P.V.C. [Polyvinyl chloride]
This type of plastic is used to make shampoo and soap bottles, garden hoses, credit cards, packaging film for cheese and lunch meats and many other uses.  Approximately 5% of all plastic packaging is P.V.C. and although it can be recycled, it rarely is.

L.D.P.E. [Low density polyethylene]
This plastic is used to make thin film plastics, shrink wrap, plastic sandwich bags, plastic grocery bags and other plastic bags.  Some 5 million tons are used annually, with negligible amounts being recycled.  Plastic bags can be recycled in a closed loop: recycled plastic bags can be made into new plastic bags.  Check your local supermarket for plastic bag recycling bins.  Roche Brothers and Stop & Shop accept plastic bags for recycling; be sure they are clean and dry.  You can also reuse them at home for trash bags.

Polypropylene
Used to make plastic lids, straws, rope, twine, plastic caps, yogurt containers, cottage cheese tubs, syrup bottles, disposable diaper linings, battery casings, and carpets.  Americans use more than 3.5 million tons every year and only 1% is recycled.

Polystyrene
This non-biodegradable plastic foam is used in egg cartons, disposable cups, and packing pellets.  It poses a number of environmental risks including endangering animal that mistake it for food.  It is made from benzene, a known carcinogen which is converted to styrene and then injected with gases to create a foam product, which can contribute to depletion of the ozone layer.  Polystyrene is currently being recycled locally at Conigliaro Industries, 701 Waverly St., Framingham, 508-872-9668 or it can be taken to Packaging stores like Packaging Plus that will reuse them.

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Why Recycle Paper?
 Producing a ton of paper from recycled fibers uses 250% less energy than producing that same ton from virgin wood.  Since the paper industry is the third largest consumer of energy in the U.S., this represents tremendous energy savings.  Manufacturing recycled paper also produces 75% less air pollution and uses 60% less water than producing paper from virgin wood pulp.  Recycled paper is made from a combination of mill scraps (pre-consumer waste) and old newspapers, office papers, and other sources (post-consumer waste).  When purchasing recycled paper products, check to see if they contain at least 10% post-consumer waste.  Don’t be fooled into thinking a product has recycled content when it says “Recyclable”.

Paper Products Recycled in Natick
Newspapers, magazines, cardboard, junk mail, cereal boxes, egg cartons, gift box tissue, gift wrap (no foil), phone books etc. can be left curbside on top of your bin.  Place paper in paper bags (not plastic). Flatten boxes and cartons.  Cardboard must be small enough to fit into your recycle bin (2' x 2').  Paper and cardboard are also accepted at the Recycling Center, where there are no size restrictions.

Reducing Junk Mail
The US Postal Service estimates that each American receives a minimum of 20 pounds of junk mail a year.  If just one day’s worth of this country’s junk mail were collected and burned, the energy produced would be enough to heat 250,000 homes.
You can reduce your junk mail by:

1. Returning unwanted solicitations and asking business to remove your name from its mailing list.
2. Writing to magazines when you subscribe and asking them not to include your name on mailing lists rented to other companies.  This is also true when ordering from catalogs.
3.  Writing* to:
 Direct Marketing Association, Direct Mail Preference Service
 11 West 42nd Street
 New York, NY 10163  (212) 768-7277
4. Click here for the Direct Marketing Association/Direct Mail Preference Service web page*

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Check at local supermarkets for recycled toilet paper, tissue, paper- towels, and plastic products made form at least 10 percent post- consumer waste.  If your market does not carry such products, ask the manager to begin doing so.  Recycled paper products for home and office are also available from:

Earth Care Paper, Inc./Real Goods Products
Ukiah CA 95482  (800) 347-0070
Free mail-order catalogue features recycled card, gift wrap, computer and copy paper, spiral notebooks, loose-leaf paper, self-stick notes, toilet tissue, tablets, pads, etc.

Earthworm , Inc., The Greater Boston Recyclers
35 Medford St., Somerville, MA 01243
(617) 628-1844
Sells recycled office paper, letterhead, laser toner cartridges, recycling bins.  Recycling information hot line for recycling questions.

The Green Planet
22 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands, MA 02161
(617) 332-7841
Carries a variety of recycled-paper and office products.

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Many charitable organizations and resale shops in the Metro West area collect and resell clothing and toys.  Below is a list of resources for adult and children’s clothing, toys, and accessories.

Phase Two
74 Main Street
Wayland, MA 01778
(508) 653-9871
Resale of adult designer and gently worn clothing.  Monday-Saturday, 10:30am-4pm

Children’s Orchard
132 East Central St.
Natick, MA 01760
(508) 651-9386

          and

Children’s Orchard
786 Water St.
Framingham, MA 01701
(508) 788-0072
Resale shop offering children’s clothing, equipment, toys, and books.  Sizes new-born through 14.  Clothing purchases by appointment.  Appointment needed to sell non-clothing items.

Peanut Gallery
45 South Main St.
Natick, MA 01778
(508) 655-9440
Resale shop offering children’s and maternity clothing, Sizes newborn through 20.  Purchases seasonal clothing only. Clothing must by clean and in current style. Maternity clothes are sold on consignment. 
Hours by appointment.

American Clothing Recycling Co.
1-800-243-3571
Clean Men’s, Women’s and Children’s clothing

Daisy’s Discoveries
407 Waverly St. (at Rtes.126 & 135).
Framingham, MA  01701
(508) 620-1656
General consignment shop for clothing, baby items, bric-a-brac, and household items. Clothing of yesteryear is a specialty. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Thursday until 7pm.

Good As New Shop
Unitarian Universalist Area Church
11 Washington St.
Sherborn, MA 01770
(508) 653-1422
Primarily a consignment shop, but also accepts donations of seasonal clothing, bric-a-brac, and children’s toys.
Hours: Wednesdays, 10am-4pm.

Models Resale Consignment Shop
969 Concord St.
Framingham, MA 01701
(508) 875-9094
Consignment shop for all types of clothing. Accepts seasonal clothing only.  Clothing must be clean and usable.

A Place to Turn
99 Hartford St. (rear)
Natick, MA 01760
(508) 655-8868
Accepts donations of seasonal clothing.  Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30am-12:30pm; Wednesday 11:00am-12:30pm and 5:30-7:30pm, and by appointment.

Salvation Army
35 Concord St.
Framingham, MA 01701
(508) 875-9106
Accepts donations of clothing, household items, bric-a-brac, toys, etc., for resale. Clothing must be clean and usable.
For pickup call (508) 799-0528 in Worcester.
Drop-off bin is also located at the Natick Recycling Center.

South Middlesex Addiction Services
3 Merchant Rd., PO Box 606
Framingham, MA 01701
(508) 879-2950
Accepts donations of pajamas, sheets, towels, blankets, and adult clothing.  Also accepts food.

Women’s Protective Services
300 Howard St.
Framingham, MA 01701
(508) 820-0824
Accepts donations of seasonal clothing only.  Call for an appointment.

Turning Point Shelter
75 Hollis St.
Framingham, MA 01701
(508) 875-6429
Accepts coats, jackets, new underwear, thermal underwear, hats, gloves, mittens, boots, sneakers, shoes, and heavy socks, linens and food.
Call for an appointment time to drop off

Pathways Family Shelter
70 Pearl St.
Framingham, MA 01701
(508) 879-5047
Accepts women’s and children’s clothing, sheets, and towels. Call to check on items needed.

FACE Children’s Center
106 Walnut St.
Natick, MA  01760
(508) 653-7966
Used toys, books and games, but no stuffed animals.

The South Natick Children’s Center
113 Union St.
Natick, MA. 01760
(508) 655-6645
Used toys, books and games, but no stuffed animals.

A Place to Turn
99 Hartford St. (rear)
Natick, MA  01760
(508) 655-8868
Accepts toys, and clothes.

Vietnam Veterans of America
1-800-775-VETS (775-8387)
Accepts clothing, shoes, housewares, small items of furniture, draperies, curtains.

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Don’t throw away that old mattress or bureau. Many people could use those items. The agencies and businesses listed below take donated household goods or buy used appliances. Many offer free pickup from your home.

The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless
300 Congress Street
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 423-9162 x101
Accepts donated furniture and household items (pots, pans, dishes, lamps, etc.).  Free pickup. Donated items are used to furnish apartments for homeless families free of charge.

Framingham Resource Center
300 Howard St.
Framingham, MA  01701
(508) 620-2392
Accepts donations of furniture and appliances to match clients needs.   Call before donating items.

Natick Service Council
11 Pond Street
Natick, MA 01760
(508) 655-1791
A good resource for finding local charities that may need household items. Maintains a bulletin board for recycling household items and appliances.  Seeking volunteers.

South Middlesex Opportunity Council
300 Howards St.
Framingham, MA 01701
(508) 872-4853
Another resource for finding charities.

Natick Council on Aging/Kennedy Senior Center
117 E. Central St.
Natick , MA 01760
(508) 647-6540
Accepts donations of durable medical goods such as wheel chairs, three and four- prong canes and tub seats, and of quilting fabric.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm.

Larry’s Home and Garden Center
12 Waverly St.
Framingham MA
(508) 620-1725
Buys furniture and operating appliances, in white or almond colors only, such as refrigerators and washers. Also picks up broken appliances for a small fee.

Framingham Salvage
120 Waverly St.
 Framingham, MA 01701
(508) 872-4393
Accepts all working and repairable household appliances, bicycles, and cast-iron sinks.
Also buys aluminum, car batteries, and  other metal items in large or small quantities. No air conditioners, refrigerators, or propane. No pick up.  $5 per appliance charge to take appliances.

Charitable Heart Thrift Shop and Donation Center.
181 Worcester Rd.
Natick, MA 01760
(508) 655-2460
Tax deductible credit for furniture, Clothing, Small area rugs, household items, accessories, art, bric-a-brac. All proceeds go to the American Heart Association.

Salvation Army
39 Concord St.
Framingham, MA 01701
(508) 875-9106
Will pick up furniture, clothing, household items , books. No appliances or mattresses. For pickup call (508)799-0528.

Natick Recycle Center
West St.
Natick, MA 01760
(508) 647-6550
A last resort: call to arrange for Saturday curbside pickup of large items, or bring them to the landfill. Call 651-7315

Vietnam Veterans of America
1-800-775-VETS (775-8387)
Will pick up small appliances and TVs, tools (all kinds) toys, games, bikes useable small furniture, bedding.

Volunteers of America
(617) 522-8088
Accepts used automobiles for a tax deductible donation.

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Listed below are organizations that accept used books. In addition, call the local libraries to see when they are having book sales.

Bearly Read Books
320  Boston Post Rd.
Sudbury, MA 01776
(978) 443-4034
Accepts hardcover and  paperback  books, old children’s books, science fiction books  in good condition.  Does not accept textbooks, magazines or newspapers. No condensed books.

Morse Institute Library
14 E. Central St.
Natick, MA  01760
Accepts paperbacks and hard covers, no textbooks. Can drop off any time.

Annie’s Book Stop
24 Main St. Cochituate Village
Wayland, MA 01778
(508) 655-5433
All of Annie’s Book Stop stores accept only paperbacks in good condition.

Vintage Books
181 Hayden Rowe St.
Hopkinton, MA 01748
(508) 435-3499
Accepts hardcover books only. Specializes in American history and religion. Collectibles only.

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Waste Oil
Massachusetts law requires that vendors who sell motor oil must accept uncontaminated used oil, provided that the customer still has the original sales slip indicating that the oil was purchased at that store.  Waste oil also is collected at Natick's new used oil drop-off facility at the Recycling Center.

Under no circumstances should used motor oil be poured into the sewer or storm drain, or dumped on the ground.  Used oil is very toxic and small amounts can permanently pollute drinking water supplies.  Current estimates suggest that the amount of motor oil dumped each year into watersheds in the United States is dozens of times greater that the amount spilled by the Exxon Valdez.  This is all the more troubling in light of the fact that the oil is recyclable and can be readily reprocessed into new oil.

A few tips for saving oil: Place it in clean, sealable containers.  Don't contaminate it with other substances such as gasoline, kerosene, or other automotive fluids.  For questions and concerns regarding waste oil, call the state Department of Environmental Protection's waste oil hotline:  (617) 556-1022.

Car Batteries
Don't put car batteries in the trash.  Leakage of heavy metals from the batteries can pose a threat to drinking water supplies.  Natick accepts used batteries at the Recycling Center.   Car batteries can also be brought to Framingham Metals Recycling, 120 Waverly St., Framingham.

Household Batteries
Many household batteries contain mercury, a toxic metal, and should never be put in the trash for incineration.  Use rechargeable batteries when possible, ad recycle all batteries (button, household and auto) at the Recycling Center.

Fluorescent Bulbs
 

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For the homeowner, as well as industry, toxic chemicals present a disposal challenge.  The home owner's task is made difficult by the lack of safe and convenient hazardous waste recovery programs.  The Natick Board of Health sponsors a Hazardous Waste Collection Day for residents once a year in the spring.  For dates or more information, call the Board of Health at (508) 647-6460.

		HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION DAY
			Accepted items
			FROM THE HOUSE Lithium batteries metal &  furniture polish drain & oven cleaners pharmaceuticals (excluding narcotics)  arts & crafts supplies photo chemicals  floor cleaners window cleaners  dry cleaning fluids  radiator cleaners
			FROM THE WORK BENCH rust & wood preservatives  water reactive materials  wood strippers  oil-based paint  paint thinner solvents degreasers sealants
			FROM THE GARAGE gasoline antifreeze brake fluid transmission fluid  engine & radiator flushes (excluding car batteries) wax/polish
			FROM THE YARD/GARDEN pesticides & herbicides insect sprays & rodent killers  pool chemicals muriatic acid  no-pest strips  cesspool cleaners
			ITEMS WHICH WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AT THE COLLECTION used motor oil radioactive materials tires explosive materials gas cylinders garbage ammunition septage biologically active materials flares

Many communities are trying to find ways to reuse toxic materials.  One example of this is reusing paint.  Paint is now collected at the Recycling Center from April to October  and available to anyone who wants to take it for their own use.  The paint left over at the end of the season is taken to a factory where it is combined to make various colors - such as white, off-white, grey, and red - and is available in interior and exterior finishes. It is important not to mix paint together and it should  be in its original labeled container(s).

The following organizations offer additional resources for nontoxic alternatives and toxic waste disposal.  Contact them or stop by the Board of Health at Natick Town Hall and pick up available booklets such as A Healthy Environment Starts at Home. A Guide to Dealing Safely with Household Hazardous Waste

Making the Switch:  Alternatives to Using Toxic Chemicals in the Home
available from Local Government Commission
909 12 St., Suite 205, Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 448-1198.

A Guide. to Hazardous Products Around the Home
available for a fee from the Household  Hazardous Waste Project 
1031 E. Battlefield Suite 214, Springfield  MO 65807
(417) 889-5000.

Everyone’s Guide to Toxics in the Home
published by Greenpeace, USA,
1436 U Street, NW  Washington DC 20009
(202) 462-1177; fee charged.

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Backyard composting is a simple way to produce fertilizer for your lawn and garden while dramatically reducing your weekly household waste.  When combined in a compost pile, organic materials such as table scraps, vegetable trimmings, coffee grounds, egg shells, and fruit rinds, as well as lawn clippings and leaves, all break down to form an earthy-smelling soil enrichment.  Avoid composting meat, bones, fatty foods such as cheese, grease or oil, dog feces, cat litter or diseased plants.

The town of Natick has been awarded a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for home composting bins.  These will be sold to households interested in home composting for a nominal fee which is half their original cost.  They are lightweight, easy to assemble, and rodent proof.  Each comes with composting instructions.  They are made out of 100% recycled detergent bottles and hold 1 cubic yard of material.  As the town is decreasing its curbside pickup of yard waste, the bins will offer a good solution for many households.  They are available at the Department of Public Works at 75 West Street.

For more information or to order a composting bin, contact:

Natick  DPW
75 West Street, Natick, MA 01760
508/647-6550

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Solid Waste Management
1 Winter Street, 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02108
617/292-5628

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Sources for environmentally friendly products for home and garden.  Look for organic gardening supplies at local garden shops.

Seventh Generation
Colchester, VT  05446-1672
800/456-1177
Free catalog of environmentally safe household supplies, rechargeable, batteries, recycled paper, etc.

Ringer/Safer
Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie MN  55344-3585
800/7654-1047
Look for products in local gardening and hardware stores

Real Goods
966 Mazzoni St., Ukiah, CA 95482
800/762-7325
Free catalog of environmental products; alternative energy source book.

Green Planet
22 Lincoln Road, Newton, MA 02458
(617) 332-7841
Lights, organic lawn care products, household and personal products that are environmentally friendly.

Gardener’s Supply Company
128 Intervale Rd, Burlington, VT 05401
800/955-3370
Free catalog of organic fertilizer, composters, organic pest control, and a full line of gardening equipment and supplies.

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Businesses have specific needs when it comes to recycling.  Most generate standard recyclable items such as copier paper computer printouts, boxes, and soft drink containers. Other businesses have very specific needs when it comes to recycling waste.  Businesses wishing to recycle in Natick are encouraged to use the Recycling Center.  Participation is welcome.  For those companies who would prefer to have their recyclables picked up, first call your regular waste hauler to discuss recycling options.   The more products are recycled, the less will be in waste volume.

The following organizations offer additional resources for commercial pickup:

Environmental Waste Technology Inc.
1039 Chestnut Street, Newton Upper Falls, MA 02464
(617) 332-2877

Earthworm Inc.
The Greater Boston Recyclers
35 Medford Street, Somerville, MA 02143
Buys empty laser toner cartridges.  Sells recycled cartridges and bins for recycling.  Will consult with you to set up a recycling program for your company or business.

Boston Earth Action Network
240B Elm Street, Somerville, MA 02144
(617) 623-2453

The following organizations accept recyclable plastic and styrofoam from residents:

Mail Boxes Etc.
1257 Worcester Rd, (at Temple Street), Framingham, MA  01701
508/875-8000

Packaging Plus
Route 9 & 27 Shopping Center, Natick, MA 01760
508/653-1400

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The Recycler’s Handbook: Simple things you can do
by The Earth-Works Group; Earthworks Press, Berkeley, CA

Recycling
by Gary Chandler and Kevin Graham, Twenty First Century Books, 1996.

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