Blackstone’s Big Change: New Totes and Easier Recycling for Our Town
The Town of Blackstone is rolling out some exciting updates to our waste and recycling collection system, designed to make things simpler and more efficient for everyone. These changes, led by the Blackstone Board of Health, involve a transition to single-stream recycling and the introduction of new rolling totes for both trash and recyclables. Town Administrator Chad Lovett and Chairman of the Board of Health Josh J. Ryan are thrilled to announce that these new systems will begin on September 1, 2025. This has been a topic of thoughtful discussion in several Board of Selectmen meetings and Board of Health meetings, reflecting a long-anticipated step forward for our community. With the contract now signed, the final details are in place, and we’re excited to share what this means for you.
As stated in a recent press release from the Town of Blackstone: “This will be a major, positive change for Blackstone,” said Health Agent Colleen Strapponi. “There is no fee for the new containers, and residents will find the process easier and more environmentally friendly“. Town Administrator Lovett added, “This change will help Blackstone become a cleaner, more cost-efficient community. We appreciate the thoughtful planning of the Board of Health and are confident residents will appreciate the benefits of the new system“
What’s Changing: Single-Stream Recycling and New Totes
Single-stream recycling is a game-changer, allowing all your recyclable materials—like paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, and metals—to go into one bin without needing to be sorted. These mixed recyclables will then be collected and taken to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) where specialized machinery will sort them for processing.
In addition to easier recycling, residents will soon receive two free 96-gallon rolling totes—one for trash and one for recyclables. These sturdy, lidded totes will replace resident-supplied barrels and smaller bins, helping to keep our streets tidier by reducing airborne trash and animal interference with curbside bags.
Benefits for Our Community
These updates bring several benefits to Blackstone:
- Reduced tonnage at the curb.
- Simplified recycling (no more sorting!).
- Convenient 96-gallon rolling totes with lids for cleaner curbsides.
- Increased Participation: Making recycling easier encourages more of us to participate, leading to higher rates of materials being recycled instead of going to the landfill.
- More Efficient Collection: Single-compartment trucks are more efficient, which can help reduce operational costs and fuel consumption.
- Expanded Recycling Options: The new system can often handle a wider variety of recyclable materials.
Important Guidelines for Residents
Get ready for new, convenient changes at your curb!
Residents will soon receive two free 96-gallon rolling totes:
- One for your trash.
- One for your recyclables.
These new totes will replace your current barrels and small bins. Once the new system starts, all curbside waste must fit inside these provided totes.
What if you have extra?
- Additional trash can be brought to the Recycling Center (14 Chestnut St.) for a fee of $3 per bag.
- Additional recycling can also be brought to the center at no charge.
The Recycling Center’s hours are:
- Tuesdays: 8 a.m. to noon
- Thursdays: 8 a.m. to noon
- Saturdays: 8 a.m. to noon
As Health Agent Colleen Strapponi stated in the press release, “There will be an adjustment period for residents regarding the elimination of trash bags curbside, however most households in Town have been maintaining the 96-gallon curbside limit.” Strapponi added, “The Board of Health and the Town Administrator’s Office are committed to making the transition process for residents as smooth as possible through the distribution of household mailers and other educational materials over the summer.”. Keep checking the Board of Health website and the official Board of Health Facebook page for additional information and guidelines.
Important Note for Multi-Unit Properties: Property owners with four or more units will no longer be eligible for curbside pickup. The Board of Health made this decision due to the costs associated with providing the totes and service, in addition to the larger tonnage generated from these properties.
When Does This Start?
The new single-stream recycling program will commence on September 1, 2025. Residents will receive new recycling bins prior to this date. Collection schedules will remain the same, with recyclables picked up on your regular recycling day.
Getting Ready and Staying Connected
The Town of Blackstone is committed to ensuring a smooth transition to single-stream recycling. Educational materials, including household mailers will be distributed over the summer.
For further information, please contact the Blackstone Board of Health at 508-876-5130 or visit the town’s official website at www.townofblackstone.org.
This is an exciting moment for Blackstone as we move towards a more sustainable and efficient future. As a community, embracing these new programs is a step we take together, contributing to a lasting legacy of care for our town and its future generations.
Updated at 5:59PM to correct contact information as corrected by Board of Health Chair Joshua Ryan
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Will they be collecting the old trash containers and recycling bins? I don’t drive. So, I definitely need an alternative. Thank you.
You could put the bins on fb marketplace for free. Some people want the recycling bins as they make great garden containers for tomatoes, etc. The recycle center will take them for free, but you would have to get them there, so perhaps put your old trash containers on facebook for free too…people might want those in neighborhing towns that don’t have the town bins.