HOME PAGE

 

Leominster Health Department
Rubbish and Recycling                                                                                Updated 4/21/09
 
REMINDER TRANSFER STATION AND RECYCLING INFORMATION EFFECTIVE
                        SATURDAY, AUGUST 30TH 2008
                           Learn More  |    View Map
  Contact Information
  Observed Holidays
  Curbside Program
  Bulk Items
  Construction and Demolition Materials
  Curbside collection of Leaf and Yard Waste
  Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days
  Citizen Drop-off at the AKS Recycling & Transfer Station
  Where Can I Take Metal Objects or Electrical Components?
  Tire Disposal Sites
  Propane Tank Disposal Sites
  Landfill Information
  City of Leominster Health Department Regulations Guidelines

 
Contact Information
 
Health Department 978-534-7550 X 248
25 West Street
Leominster, MA 01453
www.leominster-ma.gov See Health Department, Trash and Recycling page

Disposal Contractor 978-353-3193
Fiore Trucking Recycling and Disposal
150 Benson Street
Fitchburg, MA 01420

Transfer Station 1-800-965-9425
AKS Recycling
15 Cobbler Drive
Fitchburg, MA 01420
 
 
Back to Top
Observed Holidays

Observed holidays that may change the weekly rubbish/recycling schedule.

New Years Day, Labor Day,
Memorial Day, Thanksgiving,
Independence Day (July 4th), and Christmas Day

The Rubbish/Recycle collection schedule will not change for any other holidays, even if the City Hall is not open to the public.

If the observed holiday falls on a weekday, there will be no collection that day and the remaining days of collection will be one day later than normal. For example, if the holiday falls on a Monday, the weekly rubbish/recycling collection will begin on Tuesday and finish on Saturday. Therefore if your collection day is normally Tuesday, it will be collected on Wednesday. If you have any questions about holiday schedules please call the Health Department at 978-534-7533 X 248.

 
Back to Top
Curbside Program

The City of Leominster: New program for the curbside collection of household waste and recycling starting on March 30, 2009.

TOTES: Each eligible household (1 to 4 units) will receive two 64 gallon capacity wheeled containers (“Totes”). The Green Tote is for Trash only and the Blue Tote is for Single Stream Recycling Only. The Totes are the property of the city and must remain at that specific address when ownership or occupancy of the dwelling is changed. Each tote has a serial number that will be matched to the property. Each unit of a single or multi-family dwelling will receive a set of totes.

TOTE DISTRIBUTION – On March 20, 2009 the contractor will start to deliver the totes to each property starting with Ward 1 and finishing with Ward 5. The Contractor has estimated that it will take 8-10 weeks to complete the distribution.

Seniors or people with physical challenges will be considered for a smaller 32 gallon Tote. If you think you need a smaller set of totes, please contact the Health Department at 978-534-7550 X 248 to discuss your situation.

Report any accidental damage to your totes to the Health Department.

What can I do with my old recycling bins and rubbish pails?

If your recycling bin is in good condition we ask that you bring it back to the Health Department so they can be used in a school or other municipal building. If they are not in good condition or you cannot bring them to the city hall you can put them into your Blue Recycling tote or put a note on it simply stating “please take”. The rubbish barrels can be used for your leaf and yard waste containers or you can put a note on them as well, stating “please take”. Make sure you tape the notes on well enough so they don’t get blown off by the wind.

What can I put in the Trash-Household Waste Tote?

All rubbish must be placed in tied plastic bags before putting them into the Green Tote. These can be any kind of plastic bag; they do not need to be “official over flow bags”. Loose rubbish in the Tote will create more litter on the street which the homeowner or landlord is responsible for picking up. Do not over fill the tote. If the bags do not slide out when tipped into the truck, the contractor will not stop to manually pull the contents out. The tote will not be emptied and a “sticker” will be placed on the tote that explains why it was not emptied. It will then be the responsibility of the homeowner for disposal. The top flap on the totes must be closed, do not leave them open and pile up bags of rubbish or recycling. If this is done the tote will not be emptied and yet another colored sticker will be placed on it. It will then be the responsibility of the homeowner for disposal.

TRASH-HOUSEHOLD WASTE - Each household will be limited to a 64 gallon volume of household waste (trash, garbage, refuse) per week. Household waste is what is normally generated by families during every day life. Waste shall be placed into tied plastic bags and then put into the tote.
If residents need additional volume they can dispose of 1 bag per week for free at the AKS Transfer Station or official “overflow bags” will be available for $1.25 each. Nothing else will be picked up other than what is contained in the tote and official “overflow” bags.

OVER FLOW BAGS - These bags must be used if you have more than what will fit into your tote in any week. The bags can be placed at the curb along with your tote for collection. Any other bag left at the curb will not be collected. Don’t forget that residents can take one bag per week to the AKS Transfer Station without cost.

Where can I buy Over-flow Bags?

          Fiore Trucking Recycling and Disposal 978-353-3193
          150 Benson Street
          Fitchburg, MA 01420

          Capelli’s Unisex Salon 978-534-5849
          285 Central Street
          Leominster, MA 01453
 
          Hannaford Supermarkets
          118 Lancaster Street 978-537-1327
          977 Merriam Avenue 978-466-7458
          Leominster, Ma

          Sunoco Gas Station
          344 North Main Street
          Leominster, Ma 978-537-0287

Trash-Household Waste

Acceptable Refuse (allowed): Rubbish, including but not limited to, Garbage or all organic waste matter (animal, fish, fowl, fruit and vegetable) produced from the preparation of food for human consumption, waste paper,),pizza boxes, soiled paper plates, wax paper milk and juice containers, whole or broken earthen ware (china), clothing, shoes, boots, rubber, glassware, plastics, toys, and small tools.

Not Acceptable (not allowed): Demolition debris, construction debris, furniture, mattresses, box springs, couches, wooden furniture, chairs, rugs, explosives, metal objects, televisions, computer monitors, large appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, trash compactors, de-humidifiers, biological waste, toilets, shower stalls, sinks, chemicals, radioactive materials, oil, oil sludge, highly flammable substances, cardboard, septage or human waste, human or animal remains, motor vehicles, large auto or motorcycle parts, by-product waste of rubber, leather or plastics, yard machinery (lawn mowers, snow blowers, leaf blowers) liquid wastes, wood (excluding furniture), construction and demolition materials, fluorescent light bulbs, cardboard, liquid paint, caustic materials or liquids, paint thinner or remover, pesticides, asphalt, brick, concrete, soil or stone will not be picked up curbside. Please refer to the City Household Hazardous Waste Collection days for disposal of some of these waste ban items.

CHRISTMAS TREES - Will still be picked up at the curb for two weeks during the month of January. They cannot have to be placed into the tote. They may be left next to the tote at the curb.

RECYCLING - Will be picked up on a weekly basis throughout the city starting on March 30, 2009 Even if you have not yet received the totes, recycling will be collected on a weekly basis. Once you have received the totes, recycling will only be picked up if it is contained in the blue 64 gallon Tote. Bags, bins, pails or boxes will not be accepted after that.

All containers to be placed into the recycling tote must be washed and rinsed of residual food products. Paper, glass bottles, cardboard, metal cans and plastic all go into the same container. Do not put items in plastic bags for recycling. Do not over load the tote with heavy paper or pile up materials so the top cannot be closed. Most small plastic and metal food or drink containers can be stomped flat on the ground prior to placing them into the tote. This will save some volume in the container. Do not place rubbish or anything else that is not recyclable into the blue recycling tote. Improperly loaded recycling totes will not be picked up and a colored sticker will be applied explaining the issue. The contractor will not return until the following week.

Acceptable Items for Recycling - Plastic, glass and metal food containers that have been completely rinsed out of all food products, flattened cereal, cracker, pancake mix, and cookie boxes (paper board), newspapers, magazines, catalogues, phone books, brown paper bags, waste paper, broken down cardboard. NO PLASTIC BAGS.

Items NOT acceptable for Recycling - Pizza boxes or any paper plate/cup, foil container that is soiled with food or drink are not acceptable items for recycling. Any type of plastic bag, Styrofoam of any kind, soiled tissue or paper, coffee bags, tea bags, organic materials, colored wrapping paper, broken glass, wax paper milk and juice containers are not recycled. DO NOT place recycling in plastic bags before putting them into the blue Tote.

 
Back to Top
Bulk Items
 
Bulk Items September 2009

The new Tote program was to include a quarterly (every three months) collection of Bulk Items (upholstered and wood furniture, bedding, and rolled rugs). Due to the success of the Tote Program the City is pleased to announce that the Bulk Item program will not be changed as planned. This means that residents may continue to put out one Bulk Item per week on their day of MSW collection. The item will usually be picked up later in the day by a separate truck, so don’t be concerned if your Tote is emptied but the piece of furniture you put out is still there after the rubbish truck leaves. You do not need to call the Health Department to arrange for this service.

● Ok, now just what is considered to be a Bulk Item?

Upholstered furniture: a couch, loveseat, ottoman, chair

Wooden furniture: table and chairs, dressers, chest, book shelves (do not break down)

Bedding: mattresses, box springs, wooden bed frames and headboards

Rolled carpeting: must be less than 5’ long and weigh less than 50 lbs

This does not include metal or plastic furniture, pieces of wood or other construction and demolition materials.

● How many Bulk Items can I put out each week?

One Bulk Item per week can be placed at the curb next to your Totes. A mattress, box spring, wood bed frame, and headboard is considered to be one item, a table with chairs, a couch, chair or other single piece of furniture will be considered to be one item.

● What can I do with things that are too big for the Tote but are not considered to be a Bulk Item?

One Item such as a child’s car seat, an old cooler, a lamp, luggage etc. which weigh no more than 25 lbs. can be taken to the Transfer Station per week for no charge. This would be in lieu of the 1 free bag of MSW residents are allowed to bring to the transfer station per week under the current program.

Back to Top
Construction and Demolition Materials.

All construction and demolition materials, wood, plaster, asphalt, brick, concrete, metal, roofing materials, plumbing, toilets, bathtubs, showers, aluminum siding, vinyl siding, etc. are prohibited from the municipal solid waste stream by State law. These materials can be taken to the AKS Transfer Station for a fee or you can rent a dumpster from a licensed disposal contractor.
 
Back to Top
Curbside collection of Leaf and Yard Waste

The city will provide curbside pick up of yard waste for 8 weeks in the spring and 8 weeks in the fall. This includes leaves, twigs, yard clippings and branches that do not exceed 3 inches in diameter and 4 feet in length. Multiple branches or twigs must be tied together in a bundle and not exceed 35 pounds. Plastic bags are not allowed, please use leaf bags that decompose when composted. Leaves placed in plastic bags will not be collected.
 
Curbside yard waste pick-up schedule for 2009
Spring – April 6, 2009 through May 30, 2009
Fall- October 5, 2009 through Nov. 28, 2009

Yard waste may still be taken to the AKS Transfer Station, 15 Cobbler Lane, Fitchburg, MA. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9-1, Thursday and Friday from 9-4, and Saturday 8:11:30 any time of the year (except on certain holidays). You can also take yard waste to Fiore Recycling, 150 Benson Street, Fitchburg, MA on Saturdays from 8 to 4. Please call 1-800-965-9425 to confirm when these facilities are open before leaving home.
 
Back to Top

Citizen Drop-off at the AKS Recycling & Transfer Station

Residents of Leominster may bring rubbish, recycling and yard waste to the AKS Management Transfer Station located at 15 Cobbler Drive, Fitchburg, MA. Any vehicle entering the site to use the Leominster Residential Drop-Off Center must have a registration sticker that can be obtained from the Leominster DPW Dispatch from 7:00am to 2:45 pm weekdays. Proof of residency must be shown and the vehicle must be registered in the city to obtain the sticker. Questions about stickers should be directed to 978-534-7590, extension 506.

The hours of operation for the AKS Transfer Station are as follows:

Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9-1, Thursday and Friday from 9-4, and Saturday 8:11:30 any time of the year (except on certain holidays). You can also take yard waste to Fiore Recycling, 150 Benson Street, Fitchburg, MA on Saturdays from 11:30am to 4:00pm. Please call 978-265-1536 to confirm when the facility is open before leaving home.

Residents are limited to bringing one bag per week of household rubbish to the transfer station without a charge. Residents are also allowed to bring in yard waste and recycling to the transfer station at no charge.

Additional rubbish to be disposed of will be directed across the scale and paid for in a private transaction with AKS. There is a $20 minimum charge and users will pay by the pound for whatever they wish to dispose of. The current charge is $90per ton (approx. 4.5 cents per pound). Please note that if you go to the transfer station at anytime other than the schedule outlined above, you will have to pay a higher commercial rate.

These are the current prices for disposal of these items at the Transfer Station. Please note that these prices are subject to yearly increases:
Microwave oven: $10.50
Refrigerators, freezers, air-conditioners, de-humidifiers or any item containing Freon (The doors of these items must be removed prior to disposal for safety reasons). $7.50
Stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers, trash compactors, hot water heaters: Free
Lawn mowers, snow blowers, car batteries: $15.50
Television sets and computer monitors $8.00
Console TV: $15.50 per unit
Car tires $5.50 with rims $8.00
Mattresses or box springs $20.50 each.
Propane Tanks $15.00 at AKS, No Charge at Fiore Recycling.
Oil tanks are not accepted at either facility.
AKS will provide prices for other items not specifically listed above by calling 1-800-720-3034

Residents should be aware that there are other options for the disposal of some of these items. Please refer to the following sections of this Web Site for disposal options that may be available to residents.
 
Back to Top
Where Can I Take Metal Objects or Electrical Components?
  
Residents can contact Fiore Recycling at 978-265-1536 and arrange to have the item collected for a fee. They will come to your house and pick it up or you may take it to the AKS transfer Station. At the AKS Transfer Station you will be charged a fee for some items and there is no charge for others. Please see the list above for prices.
These are the current prices for disposal of these items at the Transfer Station. Please see above for pricing. Please note that these prices are subject to yearly increases.

AKS also can provide disposal for construction and demolition debris. The charge for this material is $90.00 per ton with a $20.00 minimum.

Another option would be to take metal items to Winthrop Metals in Fitchburg; they will take all metal items for no fee except for those containing Freon. Their Telephone number is 978-343-3627. Please call them before going to the facility to avoid any issues.

Another option for the disposal of electrical devices is East Coast Electronic Recycling of Shirley Ma. They can be reached at 978-534-9940.
 
Back to Top
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days:

Held at the Leominster DPW yard, located at 109 Graham Street.
The City of Leominster provides residents with an opportunity to dispose of household hazardous waste 4 times each year.
Registration for the Hazardous Waste Day is no longer required; however proof of residency will be necessary at the site.
 
The following 2009 dates have been established
March 28, 2009 9AM – 12PM
June 27, 2009 9AM – 12PM
August 22, 2009 9AM – 12PM
November 21, 2009 9AM-12PM
NOTICE: a Mobile Paper Shredder will be on site for this event

Questions can be answered by calling 1-800-965-9425
The following items and materials may be brought to the collection:

Antifreeze Fluorescent light bulbs Paint thinner/solvents
Art supplies furniture polishes Pesticides
Auto fluids Gasoline products Photographic supplies
Button Batteries Insect sprays Rodent killers
Creosote Kerosene Root killers
Chemistry sets Lead acid batteries Septic tank cleaners
DDT Metal polishes Spot removers/solvents
Disinfectants Mothballs Pool chemicals
Drain cleaners Motor oil Thermostats
Dry gas Muriatic acid Toilet cleaners
Engine Degreaser Nickel-cadmium batteries Varnish
Flea killers Paint: oil, marine, lead Stain & preservatives

Note: latex paint will not be accepted as hazardous waste. Leave cans open until they solidify and dispose of them in your normal rubbish. The paint must be dried and solid prior to disposal.

G) Massachusetts Waste Ban Program expansion July 1, 2006

In 1991 Massachusetts instituted a list of Waste Ban materials that could not be introduced into the Municipal Solid Waste stream. This was done primarily for protection against pollution from oil and hazardous materials. Since that time many other materials have been added to the list in an effort to protect the environment, reserve landfill capacity, and to stimulate recycling markets by diverting recyclable materials from the waste stream.

2006 Waste Ban Materials: Asphalt, brick, and concrete (ABC), wood, and metal

How does this affect Leominster residents?

The Leominster Curbside Rubbish Collection Program has not collected ABC, wood debris or construction/demo materials for many years; therefore the only change will be related to curbside collection of metal. Residents are no longer able to put out bicycles, car parts, metal furniture, swing sets, grills, lawn mowers, snow blowers, etc. for curbside collection.

Wood furniture can still be put out curbside but please don’t put out numerous wood items all at once. Do not break down the furniture, as it will then be considered to be demolition debris. Try to put out a small amount at a time so we don’t exceed our allowable percentage of wood in the City’s waste stream.

With the New Waste Ban items, there will also be extra MADEP inspections at the transfer station. Bags will be opened to make sure that we are not dumping prohibited materials. Please recycle! It is the right thing to do …… If the state finds that we are exceeding out limits of recyclables we could lose our designation as having a MADEP approved Recycling Program. We could lose funding or have other enforcement actions implemented.
Where can we take metal objects, Electrical Components and Appliances????

Residents can contact Fiore Recycling at 978-265-1536 and arrange to have the item collected for a fee. They will come to your house and pick it up or you may take it to the AKS transfer Station. At the AKS Transfer Station you will be charged a fee for some items and there is no charge for others. Please see the list below for prices.
These are the current prices for disposal of these items at the Transfer Station. Please note that these prices are subject to yearly increases:

Microwave oven: $10.00
Refrigerators, freezers, air-conditioners, de-humidifiers or any item containing Freon (The doors of these items must be removed prior to disposal for safety reasons). $7.00
Stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers, trash compactors, hot water heaters: No Charge
Lawn mowers, snow blowers, car batteries: $5.00
Television sets and computer monitors $7.50
Console TV: $15.00 per unit
Car tires $5.00 with rims $7.50
Mattresses or box springs $20.00 each.
Propane Tanks $15.00 at AKS, No Charge at Fiore Recycling.
Oil tanks are not accepted at either facility.

AKS will also purchase ferrous and non ferrous metals for market value.
AKS also can provide disposal for construction and demolition debris. The charge for this material is $90.00 per ton with a $20.00 minimum.
Another option would be to take it to Winthrop Metals in Fitchburg; they will take all metal items for no fee except for those containing Freon. Their Telephone number is 978-343-3627. Please call them before going to the facility to avoid any issues.

 
Back to Top

Tire Disposal Sites
Tires are not picked up curbside. The Following is a list of establishments and fees charged for dropping off tires.

 ESTABLISHMENT DISPOSAL FEE
City Tire $2 per tire
45 N. Main St.
Leominster, MA. 01453
Tel: 978-537-5987 		Town Fair Tire $2 per tire
875 Merriam Ave.
Leominster, MA. 01453
Tel: 978-466-8801
Sears $2.50 per tire
Commercial Rd.
Leominster, MA. 01453
Tel: 978-534-2295		 Sullivan Tire $3.00 per tire
162 Main St.
Leominster, MA. 01453
Tel: 978-534-9112
Tire Warehouse $2.50 per tire
212 Bemis Rd.
Fitchburg, MA. 01420
Tel: 978-345-7335		 B J’s Wholesale Club $1.00 per tire
115 Erdman Way
Leominster, MA. 01453
Tel: 978-840-0900

Back to Top

Propane Tank Disposal Sites

Propane tanks and cylinders cannot be picked up curbside due to State Waste Ban regulations. The following is a list of establishments and fees charged for dropping off propane tanks:

At the present time propane tanks can be dropped off at the WMI Inc. transfer station for a $25 disposal fee per propane tank.

 ESTABLISHMENT DISPOSAL FEE
U-Haul Co. $10 per tank
207 Central St.
Leominster, MA. 01453
Tel: 534-7904		 Taylor Rental Center $8 per tank
197 Mill St.
Leominster, MA 01453
Tel: 537-9793
Liberty Supply $10 per tank
195 Hamilton St.
Leominster, MA. 01453
Tel: 534-5464		 B J’s Wholesale Club $5.00 per tank
115 Erdman Way
Leominster, MA 01453
Tel: 840-0900

Back to Top

Landfill Information

The City of Leominster operated a Landfill at the end of Mechanic Street to the east of the Route 2 Connector until 1982. In 1985 the landfill was covered with impervious materials (capped) to prevent rain and surface water from passing through the buried waste and contaminating groundwater. In 2000 a landfill gas collection and disposal system was installed to prevent landfill gases from migrating through the soil to abutting properties. The gas collection system provides a vacuum to remove gases through wells that are connected to a manifold. The manifold passes beneath the Route 2 Connector and draws the gases to a gas burning flare system which is located to the north of the Leominster Sewage Treatment Plant. All of the wells in the landfill are periodically tested and adjusted to provide optimum performance of the flare. Environmental consultants provide quarterly testing of each well, surface air quality and groundwater sampling for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for their continual review. Copies of these reports are kept in the Health Department archives.
 
Back to Top
City of Leominster Health Department Regulations Guidelines
 
City of Leominster
Office of the Health Department
25 West Street – Suite 9 Tel: (978) 534-7533
Leominster, MA 01453 (978)-534-7550
Fax: (978)-534-8416

Christopher J. Knuth, R.S.
Director

Board of Health Regulations Concerning Munici11al Solid Waste Collection and Recyclable Materials: Adopted June 18, 2003

The Board of Health of the City of Leominster, acting under the authority of Chapter 111, Section 31 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and amendments and additions thereto, and any other power thereto enabling, and acting there under and in accordance therewith G.L. c 111, & 127A and G.L. c. 111, & 31, and in the interest of and for the preservation of the public health and safety, duly make and adopt the following rule and regulation:

Definitions:

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW): all household garbage and rubbish.

Garbage: All putrescable waste matter (animal, fish, fowl, fruit and vegetable) produced from or resulting from the use or storage of food for human consumption.

Rubbish: All combustible and non-combustible trash, waste, offal, broken or rejected matter, hence anything worthless. For specific information on acceptable and unacceptable rubbish, please refer to the City of Leominster current MSW contract.


Recyclable Materials (RM): Recyclable, metals, glass, plastic, newspapers, cardboard, paper and magazines. Please refer to the City of Leominster recycling guidance brochure for specific details.

Dwelling Unit: A Room or group of rooms within a dwelling used or intended for use by one family or household for living, sleeping, cooking and eating.

Residential Dwelling: Building used solely for human habitation.

Regulation: When the City of Leominster provides curbside collection of municipal solid waste (MSW) or recyclable materials (RM) for residential dwellings the following criteria shall apply:

1) Curbside collection shall be offered to residential dwellings that contain four (4) dwelling units or less. Mixed Commercial/Industrial and Residential (regardless of the number of housing units), Condominiums, Rooming Houses or any other building with multiple dwelling units numbering more than four (4) units will not be eligible for curbside collection provided by the city. Mixed Use Properties shall be exempt from these requirements if they meet the following criteria:

* The property must contain 4 units (dwelling or business combined) or less.
* The activity within the building must not generate excessive waste, hazardous materials or waste ban materials.

(2) Single buildings that have multiple addresses but contain more than four (4) dwelling units shall not be eligible for the city collection services. These buildings will be required to provide private collection and disposal in accordance with State and Local regulations. This shall be applicable to buildings that are situated on one or more streets (parallel streets or street corners).

(3) All dwellings with five (5) or more units or Mixed Use properties shall have MSW and or RM collected by a licensed private hauler. The owner of each of these properties shall provide MSW removal and disposal in accordance with 105 CMR 410.600 and all applicable City of Leominster regulations and Ordinances.

(4) Any dwelling or housing unit that has MSW removed privately will be required to utilize a dumpster. The dumpster shall be kept closed (except when loading or emptying), be weather, insect, animal proof and emptied as frequently as needed as not create smells, odors or nuisance. The owner of the property will be solely responsible for the proper maintenance of the dumpster (logistically and financially). Locking devices may be required by the Health Department.
Enforcement:
Any property owner that does not comply with these regulations shall be subject to the following fines: First violation, $100, second violation $200, third and subsequent violations $300. Each day of non-compliance will be considered an additional and separate violation.

Severability:
If any provision of these regulations or the application thereof is held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity shall be limited to said provision(s), and the remainder of these regulations shall remain valid and effective. Any part of these regulations subsequently invalidated by a new state law shall automatically be brought into conformity with the new or amended law and shall be deemed to be effective immediately.

 
Back to Top

 

 

</