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Trash & Recycling Services
BOW IS RECYCLING –LET’S KEEP IT CLEAN!
By the Town of Bow Solid Waste and Recycling Committee
The Town of Bow is pleased to offer the convenience of curbside single-stream recycling. It is imperative to the success of our recycling program that we reduce contaminants in our curbside recycling totes. Many of us are “aspirational recyclers” and will include items in our curbside recycling tote hoping that they can be recycled. If we are throwing away items in the hope that they are recyclable, we are creating more harm than good. Over the last two years, China has imposed strict restrictions over the acceptance of recycling loads that are deemed to be contaminated. With that in mind, Pinard Waste has created a new flyer called “Can I Recycle This? Know When It’s a NO!” The flyer helps identify the types of items that should not be recycled.
The most frequent items that contaminate recycling loads are plastic bags and Styrofoam. Those items should not be placed in the recycling bin, even if they have a recycling number on them. Styrofoam should be placed in the trash. Plastic bags can be recycled at several local supermarkets, and otherwise they should be reused or placed in the trash.
When it comes to plastic, according to Pinard, it is important to only recycle items that are “containers” or “vessels,” such as plastic bottles. Even if an item has a recycling number, it may not be recyclable because there is no market for it. Plastic toys, plastic utensils, straws, clothes hangers and bulky plastic items are considered contamination and should not be placed in the curbside recycling. Colored plastic cups (such as red Solo cups) are also not accepted for recycling. Metal (other than tin, clean aluminum foil and aluminum cans) is also not accepted for recycling.
It is important to empty beverage containers before putting them in the recycling bin. The liquids are not only messy, but can be deemed hazardous waste by recycling workers. While food containers do not need to be laboratory clean before recycling them, it is necessary to rinse containers such as peanut butter and catsup jars to avoid rodents and other pests from being attracted to the recycling load. And the ongoing pizza box question? According to Pinard, the actual box can be recycled unless it is heavily saturated with oil. All food should be scraped and removed from the pizza box. The plastic pizza saver used to protect the pizza from sticking to the box is not recyclable, and should be placed in the trash.
The Solid Waste and Recycling Committee wants to remind residents that the best way to avoid items from entering the waste stream is to reduce the purchase of items in single-use containers and bulky packaging. This can be accomplished in many ways, including the use of reusable shopping bags and beverage containers.
If you have specific questions about whether an item is recyclable, please check out www.recyclesmartma.org, or send an email to the Town of Bow Solid Waste and Recycling Committee at bowrecycles@gmail.com. The new flyer is also posted above and you can find additional posters and flyers with what is recyclable here. Zero Sort, Zero Sort Poster
Weekly Pickup Schedule & More Info
For details and information, including the weekly pickup schedule, holiday schedule, and what to recycle, read the complete:
Newest Recycling Guide from Pinard Waste (PDF)
Pinard Waste Systems Contract
The Town of Bow contracts with Pinard Waste Systems for weekly curbside pickup of household solid waste and recycling. Each household gets one trash cart (green) and one recycling cart (blue). Additional carts are available for a fee.
Extra Trash or Recycling
What if I have extra trash or recycling that does not fit in my cart? In accordance with the Town's policy, Pinard will not pick up items left outside the cart (except for tires). Because they will not, residents have two options:
- Rent an extra trash cart or purchase an extra recycling cart, which you can then use every week. For more information on renting or purchasing additional carts, visit our Ordering Extra and Replacing Broken Carts page.
- Take your excess trash/recycling to the City of Concord Transfer Station. Fees may apply.
Bulky, Hazardous or Specialty Items
- Bow residents may bring items to the City of Concord Transfer Station. Fees may apply.
- Bow residents may also contact Pinard Waste Systems for special curbside collection of a large, bulky item. Fees may apply for certain items.
- Bow residents may bring their household hazardous waste to a special collection that happens once a year in October on a Saturday. This event is organized by the Bow Recycling Committee.
Contact Us
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Pinard Waste Systems
32 West River Road
Hooksett, NH 03106
Phone: 603-623-7933
Toll Free: 800-675-7933
Email Pinard Waste Systems Customer Service