Sherborn Recycling: Changing the World One Community at a Time...

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The Work of Sherborn's Recycling Committee

Here's what we do...

The Recycling Committee is very involved on several fronts in making people aware of the importance of recycling and helping the Town of Sherborn achieve the most recycling rewards at the least possible cost. 

In the spring of 2004 the Committee undertook a major project to create a more user friendly Recycling Center dedicated in memory of Hap Ruane at the Transfer Station on Route 27 (North Main Street) just south of the Natick town line. The progression of drop-off areas was realigned, new signs were installed, and a Swap Shop was constructed using free labor from the Tri-County Vocational School. 

  The Sherborn Swap Shop has been our pride and joy.  Residents love to browse, seniors love to get things for their visiting grandchildren, Swap Shop volunteers love to get their hands on the "best stuff," and people love to have a place to get rid of belongings that are too nice to throw away but are no longer wanted.  Best of all, we are keeping things out of the trash compactor -- and therefore unnecessary expense out of the Transfer Station budget -- by encouraging reuse of useful goods. 

  We continue with our “Welcome Bin” program where we provide a free 18-gallon recycling bin to new residents along with information about our recycling program.  We also sell these same bins to veteran residents for $8.00.  If you want one, please buy one from an attendant at the Transfer Station/Hap Ruane Recycling Center.

  Also we sell compost bins and distribute information on composting which diverts food waste from the trash stream and turns it into rich garden soil. To buy a compost bin, please ask an attendant at the Transfer Station/Hap Ruane Recycling Center.  For detailed information about composting, please call Karen Masterson at 508-653-0138.  

The Recycling Committee has also been working to encourage local business recycling.  We have provided free recycling wastebaskets for the collection of paper in offices.  We anticipate working more with businesses  to help them with  ways to reduce waste.  The committee offers 90-gallon wheeled "toters" to encourage businesses to collect and "tote" their co-mingled recyclables out to their dumpsters.

The Committee works with groups that have large events in Town to show them how to recycle.  New well-marked barrels for the collection of bottles and cans are loaned to Sherborn's organizations to assist with collecting recyclables easily.

The Committee is making an effort  to achieve suitable recycling at the public places in Town.  Several years ago the Committee purchased  permanent recycling containers to be placed next to all trash barrels at the hiking trails, athletic fields, and the playground in order to keep recyclables separate from trash at those locations. Trash  and recyclables continue to be mixed, however, so new solutions continue to be discussed.

The Recycling Committee also plans and staffs Sherborn's annual Household Hazardous Waste Day. Household Hazardous Waste Day occurs in September. If you cannot wait until September 2008 to get rid of your hazardous waste, call Recycling Chair Carol Rubenstein at 508-653-8794 and she will make arrangements for you to go to a collection in another town.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!  Would you like to join the Recycling Committee? We would love to have more Sherborn neighbors join us, as official members or loyal supporters who will help us with various projects.  Please call Carol Rubenstein at 508-653-8794 if you would like to be a part of our ongoing activities to make Sherborn a better place to live.