ADAMS, Mass. — In collaboration with the Northern Berkshire Solid Waste Management District, the town has added a textile recovery/collection bin to the transfer station.

 

"Not only will this help remove these items from the solid waste stream, which costs money to remove from the transfer station, but also provide an environmentally sound method for disposal," Town Administrator Jay Green said. "It is a win-win opportunity and when those appear, we make the effort to integrate them into the Transfer Station operation."

 

The solid waste district's Program Director Linda Cernik said state Department of Massachusetts released a public hearing notice in 2020 announcing proposed regulatory amendments to the state's regulations. The amendments would expand the scope of the waste restrictions by adding textiles as well as mattresses to the list of materials banned from disposal as trash.

 

"At this time the regulatory amendment has not been implemented," she said. "However, placing a textile recovery bin at the Adams Transfer Station allows residents to place their textiles properly to be recycled. Once the waste ban has been amended, including textile diversion, the town's transfer station has the resource in place to make the transition smoother for all residents."

 

Cernik said there is no cost to the town, and the district worked with New Hampshire-based company Apparel Impact to install the bin. The company will also empty the bin and process its contents. 

 

Any clothing, household textile, or commercial linen textiles can be recycled as long as they are dry and do not have an odor. 

 

"Even if the item is stained, torn, overly worn, or out-of-date, do not throw it away; it has a use in the clothing recycling industry," she said. "Only items that are wet or mildewed or have been used with a solvent-type liquid cannot be recycled. A sign with acceptable items will be placed at the transfer station near the bin."

 

Code Enforcement Officer Mark Blaisdell added that transfer station attendants, Ray Keele and Kyle Wilson, will answer any user questions and promote the newly-noticed bin at the transfer station.  

 

He said once a textile ban becomes a reality, the transfer station attendants will take notice of textiles placed in trash at the transfer station. Education would be the first enforcement method. The next similar level of education/enforcement would be from the private hauler. Under the current bans, the private hauler could refuse collection.

 

If a problem persists and runs across Blaisdell's desk, those who do not follow the rules can expect a fine.

 

"Should a request for formal related code enforcement escalate to my office, current town bylaw allows for a fine of $50.00 per violation," he said.

 

He said the attendants or haulers have never made referrals to his office during his tenure.

 

Cernik said it is important to add services to transfer stations within the district and strive to provide a "one-stop model." More recycling programs on-site will help educate users and remind them to "think before tossing" and "recycle first." 

 

"This as well will help reduce the amount of clothing and textile products from going into landfill by reusing or recycling these materials," she said.

 

She said this pre-emptive strike by the town will have to be backed up with outreach and education, something the district does well. 

 

"The more resources you provide for the consumer regarding recycling will help remind them of recycling," she said. "The district works closely with our educational system and connecting the educators with MassDEP Green Team, is an interactive educational program that empowers students and teachers to help the environment through waste reductions, reuse, and recycling."

 

Green said not only will the service reduce the amount of material the town has to pay to get rid of, but the added service is also right in line with Adams' efforts to be mindful of the environment and to implement green practices.

 

"As a town, we want to maintain services so our residents have options and we try to offer those services in the most efficient manner we can," Green said. "When a program is offered at no cost to remove 'bulky' items from the waste stream it is going to help reduce, to some extent, the weight and frequency of the solid waste loadings. Beyond that practical dollars and cents, perspective, it's the right thing to do for our community and environment."