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Curbside Recycling
Capitol Waste Services provides all of our other curbside recycling services.
Getting Recycling Bins
- Each Lexington household gets two recycling bins free.
- Additional recycling bins are available from the Department of Public Works for $6. The Department of Public Works is located at:
201 Bedford Street
Lexington, MA 02420 - You can also make your own recycling bin from a container you already own. Either mark it "Recycling" with a waterproof marker, or pick up a free recycling decal from the Department of Public Works.
Putting out Your Recycling
- Please place your recycling far enough from your trash that it can be easily recognized as recycling.
- Glass, plastic, food cartons and metal can be put into a bin together.
Recyclables You Can Put out for Pickup
There are several categories of recyclables they will pick up.
Paper
- Newspapers/inserts
- Magazines, phone books, and catalogs
- Junk mail
- Office paper
- Paperboard (cereal and shoe boxes etc.)
- Paperback and hardcover books
- Pizza boxes (Must be empty. Grease is okay!) - Fold inside out to ensure the pizza box is empty
How to Prepare
- Mixed paper may be placed loose in a separate bin from containers, or in brown paper bags in the same bin
- Paperboard flattened, foil and liners removed
- Remove covers on Hardcover books
Do Not Include
- Food-soiled paper
- Plastic bags
Plastic
- All numbered 1, 2 and 5 containers
- Soda and detergent bottles
- Yogurt cartons, dairy tubs
- Plastic milk, juice, and water jugs
How to Prepare
- Rinse and clean - labels are okay
Do Not Include
- Plastic bags - recycle at grocery stores
- Motor oil or chemical containers
- Unclean flower pots
- Styrofoam - put in trash
- Plastic toys
Glass
- Clear, green and brown food and beverage containers only
How to Prepare
Rinse and clean - collars, neck rings, and labels are okay
Do Not Include
- Corks
- Broken glass
- Ceramics, window glass, mirrors, light bulbs, or drinking glasses
Metal
- Deposit and non-deposit beverage cans
- Metal food cans
- Aluminum pie plates and trays
How to Prepare
- Rinse and clean - labels are okay
- Crush
- Lids can be secured inside by crushing
Do Not Include
- Paint cans
- Aerosol cans
- Coat hangers
- Other metal items
Corrugated Cardboard Boxes
How to Prepare
- Flatten/pull boxes apart, cut cardboard to 36 inches by 36 inches or less to fit in a truck
- Multiple pieces of corrugated must be tied, bundled, and placed next to the recycle bin.
- Multiple pieces can also be unbundled but placed in, under, or between recycling bins.
- Empty pizza boxes - Grease is okay! Fold inside out to ensure the pizza box is empty.
Drop-off Options
Flattened cardboard no larger than 5 feet is accepted at the Compost Facility and in the Police Station parking lot.