The Recycling Committee recently received a letter with the following questions. These were great questions that we thought everyone would be interested in, and we will answer them here. I’ve attempted to put as much information as I could find. If anyone has more information that I’m missing, or any questions, please send an e-mail to bridgtonrecyclingcommittee@yahoo.com.

Q. Batteries continue to disperse electricity for a period after they are dead. This includes rechargeable, or one use, and even the batteries in things like solar lights. Would it be possible to have some sort of container for these? They should not go with regular recycling and should definitely not end up in a landfill.

Single-use batteries, such as AA, AAA, 9V or C or D cell, are different, making their recycling process different from recycling rechargeable and cell phone batteries. These should be put in the regular trash. The good news is that our trash is sent to ecomaine, which is a trash-to-energy plant. They do not go into a landfill. The transfer station accepts recyclable batteries. You should bring them to the transfer station personnel so that they can recycle them. This is for batteries that include nickel, lithium, cadmium, etc. 

Q. What do you need a sticker for?

Anything that goes to the transfer station requires a sticker. In order to get a sticker, you must have proof of residency.

Q. How is the “shop” run, and what kind of donations are acceptable?

Donations have to be dropped off at the transfer station with an attendant. Basically, everything is accepted, as long as it is in good condition. They are currently not accepting clothing, dishes, and books. This is subject to change. They currently have too many of these.

Q. What goes into the compost pile?

Grass clippings, leaves, and yard waste. No stumps or brush. Fruits and vegetables are currently being accepted at the transfer station, however, this is being evaluated at the state level to see if it is acceptable. (Rolfe Corporation accepts plywood, raw wood, brush, and stumps, but no painted or pressure treated lumber.)

Q. What happens to the cans and bottles donated at the end of the building?

Various nonprofits in town can sign up to take the bottles/cans for redemption.

Q. What can be recycled, in detail?

Paper: All clean cardboard paperboard and pizza boxes (no food), newspaper and inserts, magazines, mail and catalogs, paper bags, office paper, envelopes and window envelopes, wrapping paper, phone books, books, paper plates (clean), milk and juice cartons, drink boxes and aseptic containers, shredded paper (put in clear plastic bags).

Plastic: Water bottles, milk jugs, detergent bottles and all rigid containers marked #1-7 (except Styrofoam).

Metal: Tin cans, aerosol cans (empty), aluminum cans and foil, pots and pans.

Glass (all colors): All glass bottles and jars.

All rigid containers must be empty (not perfectly clean). This is not a complete lost. Search more than 1,000 items at ecomaine.org/101

What can’t be put into the recycling bin

Plastic bags and wrap: Trash and shopping bags (empty or full), plastic wrap or film (this can be brought to Hannafords), bubble wrap or mailers, Tyvek or plastic envelopes, bread bags, potato chip and snack bags, sandwich baggies, animal food bags, frozen vegetable bags, wood pellet bags (a lot of the stores that carry these also can recycle them, please call first; newspaper bags, boat wrap or tarps, Styrofoam (even if it’s #6), paper towels, napkins or tissue, needles and sharps (these can be put in a plastic detergent bottle, tape it shut, and place it in the trash).

Large metal parts (car, boat, truck, etc.). These can be put in the metal can. There is no charge for this.

Gas tanks (propane, helium, oxygen, etc.). Propane and helium tanks under 20 pounds can go to the metal can. Propane tanks can be recycled when a new tank is purchased at both Hayes True Value and Hannafords.

Wood and lumber — This can be placed in can #3. You must first weigh your vehicle on the scale and pay the attendant (currently $.10/pound).

Pipes (metal or plastic) — Plastic pipes can be placed in can #4. You must first weigh your vehicle on the scale and pay the attendant (currently $.10/pound). Metal pipes can be placed in the metal can at no charge.

Clothing and shoes — If in good condition, they can be donated. You can place in the Salvation Army bin at the transfer station.

Bedding and pillows — If in good condition, they can be donated. You can place in the Salvation Army bin at the transfer station.

Batteries: Alkaline, button-cell, rechargeable and lithium-ion (bring to the attendant at the transfer station),

Light bulbs (any type) — Hayes True Value takes all fluorescent bulbs for recycling.

Other items: Garden hoses, diapers (baby or adult).

Food or plants — Plants can be put in the compost pile, as well as vegetables and fruits.

Toys — If in good condition, they can be donated. 

Places in town to recycle miscellaneous items:

Transfer Station — Aluminum can tabs can be donated for Shriners Hospital. Please see the attendant. 

Paint can go to either the transfer station or to Hayes True Value (go to Paintcare.orgto see specifics).

Hannafords — Paper and plastic bags, propane tanks (with a refill), five-gallon water bottles (with a refill).

Hayes True Value — Hearing aids and glasses (donated to the Lions Club), fluorescent bulbs, paint (go to Paintcare.orgto see specifics), five-gallon water bottles (with a refill). They also do not charge for paper bags, and have never used plastic bags. Kudos!

Rolfe Corporation (91 Home Run Road) — Accepts plywood, raw wood, brush, and stumps, but no painted or pressure treated lumber). Rolfe’s hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (April-October), and Sunday 8 a.m. to noon (May 15 to July 30).