Great news! The City’s two new recycling trucks have arrived.
The Department of Public Works is developing public outreach and education campaign regarding our new and improved recycling and municipal solid waste program.
In the meantime, please continue cleaning and separating your recyclables. The City is in the process of rejoining the Springfield Materials Recycling Facility (MRF). Through the MRF, the City can realize a financial return on our recyclable waste: but only if separated and clean. The recycling markets had tanked, but our improving economy is bringing value back to these materials. The City had temporarily ceased dual stream disposal due to Covid and manpower limits: but, no more.
DPW is in the process of putting together a bid package for the purchase of new trash containers with arms to allow for mechanized pickup by the truck. They will be distributed to residents. ARPA funds are supporting this purchase. DPW is seeking a funding source for new recycle bins that can also be mechanically picked up. In the meantime, please use your existing recycling bins for separation and curb pickup. There are some extra blue bins for residents at DPW if needed.
The Mayor’s Office, the Mayor’s Waste Management Study Group, the Board of Public Works, and the entire team at the Department of Public Works have been working hard to identify and implement these new opportunities for waste reduction, cost savings, and keeping Holyoke clean.
Stay tuned for the official roll-out of our new vehicles and updated waste management program.
Mary L. Monahan
Chair, Board of Public Works