Franklin County, Massachusetts

What do I do with...?

This page is designed to help you properly dispose of anything and everything. There are over 350 items listed alphabetically. Just click on the letter your item begins with and scroll down from there. There is also a table below with broad categories to help you. If you can't find your item on this page please call the Solid Waste District Office at (413) 772-2438 (MA Relay for the hearing impaired: 711 or 1-800-439-2370 TTY/TDD) or email us and we will do our best to answer your questions.

Appliances Automotive Batteries Building/Remodeling & Construction/Demolition Cleaners

Containers Electronics Furniture Glass Hazardous Waste Lighting

Medications Metal Paints Paper Plastics Yard Waste

At the bottom of this page, we've included information on these topics:

Clean Sweep (bulky items) Collection
Greenfield Transfer Station
Recycling
Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites
Sharps Collection
WTE Metal Recycling

Acid
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Adhesives
These are hazardous materials and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Aerosol Cans
When containers still have product in them or are still under pressure, most are considered hazardous waste and should be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.  If they contained food-related products or are empty, they should be disposed of in the garbage.

Agricultural Plastic
Agricultural plastic cannot be recycled; please dispose of it in the garbage.  Burning agricultural plastic is illegal. Burning plastic releases toxic chemicals into the air.

Air Conditioners
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection, Greenfield Transfer Station, or WTE Metal Recycler. Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Montague, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations, and for Erving residents at their town Highway Garage.
There may be a disposal fee.

Alkaline Batteries (Duracell, Eveready, Energizer, etc.)
These are the most common household batteries. They are available in many sizes and shapes such as AAA, AA, C, D and 9 volt. Alkaline batteries manufactured since 1994 do not contain mercury or other hazardous materials. District residents should bring alkaline batteries to their town’s transfer station and give them to the attendant.  Residents of Erving, Gill, Hawley, New Salem, Orange and Sunderland can put alkaline batteries into their trash, since it goes to the landfill and not a trash incinerator. Alkaline batteries may also be brought to the Clean Sweep Collection or the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

All batteries should be checked carefully before disposal, as some non-alkaline batteries resemble alkalines. If you would like to cut down on the number of alkaline batteries you are using, you could purchase a battery charger and some compatible rechargeable batteries. These batteries can be used and recharged over and over again, but remember to recycle them in a battery box when they cannot be charged anymore.

Click here for information on disposal of other types of batteries. 

All-Purpose Cleaner
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Aluminum (Cans & Foil)
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Container recycling, and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. Please rinse out any remaining liquid or food from the cans and rinse off any remaining food debris from the foil.

Aluminum Siding
Aluminum siding can be recycled at WTE Metal Recycling.

Ammonia
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Ammunition
Call your local Police Department for proper disposal.

Animals (dead)
Call the Solid Waste District at 413-772-2438 (MA Relay for the hearing impaired: 711 or 1-800-439-2370 TTY/TDD) or email us.

Answering Machines
These may be thrown in the garbage, or brought to the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station. 

Antifreeze
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations. Residents of Orange may dispose of antifreeze at their town transfer station. There may be a disposal fee. 

Ant Poison
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Appliances Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier, Dishwasher, Dryer, Freezer, Hot Tub, Microwave, Refrigerator, Spa, Stove, Trash Compactor, Washer, Water Heater Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection, or Greenfield Transfer Station. Metal appliances (but not hot tubs, microwaves, or spas) may also be taken to WTE Metal Recycler. Disposal options within towns varies; you can see what your town accepts by clicking here. There may be a disposal fee.

Area Rugs
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station. Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Arm Chair
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station. Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Art & Hobby Paint
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day. Also note the listing below. 

Arts & Crafts Supplies
Check with your local schools to find out if they are interested in a donation of used or leftover art supplies in good condition. The Art Garden in Shelburne Falls welcomes useable art supplies; here's a link to the Art Garden wish list. 

Items that are not suitable for donation typically fall into one of two categories: garbage (for instance, a worn-out paintbrush) or household hazardous waste (for instance, some paints and dyes). Hazardous materials must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day. If you're not sure if your item is garbage or hazardous, call the Solid Waste District at 413-772-2438 (MA Relay for the hearing impaired: 711 or 1-800-439-2370 TTY/TDD) or email us. 

Asbestos
There are strict removal and disposal requirements for asbestos.  Check your local yellow pages under “Asbestos Abatement and Removal Services” or “Asbestos Consultants” or call the Solid Waste District at 413-772-2438 (MA Relay for the hearing impaired: 711 or 1-800-439-2370 TTY/TDD) or email us.  By prior arrangement, asbestos may be accepted at local Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) events or collection centers. For information about disposing of non-friable asbestos at the Northampton landfill, call 413-587-1059.

Asbestos Siding
Call the Solid Waste District at 413-772-2438 (MA Relay for the hearing impaired: 711 or 1-800-439-2370 TTY/TDD) or email us. 

Aseptic Containers (juice boxes, soy milk boxes)
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Container recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. Rinse before recycling.

Ashes
Ashes are not recyclable, but may be placed in the garbage once they are stone cold!  Please use great care in disposing of ashes! In small quantities, ashes from clean wood (woodstoves and fireplaces) are fine to add to a compost pile. Wood ash will raise the pH and add potassium to the pile, but too much ash will reduce pore spaces and make the pile too alkaline.

Asphalt
Asphalt is considered a bulky waste item.  Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or the Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Asphalt Sealer
If the asphalt sealer is latex-based, it must be dried out and then disposed with your trash. If it is not latex-based, it is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day. 

Asphalt Shingles
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station. Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Athletic Shoes
One World Running will send still-wearable shoes to athletes in need in Africa, Latin America, and Haiti. Worn-out shoes can be turned into playground and athletic flooring in Nike's Reuse-a-Shoe program.

Automobiles
Learn how to dispose of junk automobiles by clicking here.

Automobile Batteries
Automobile batteries are a hazardous material which can be properly disposed of at the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day. Residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Heath, Montague, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell (summer only) may instead dispose of automobile batteries at their town transfer stations, and Erving residents may bring auto batteries to the Erving Highway Department. They may also be taken to WTE Metal Recycler.
There may be a disposal fee. 
 

Automotive Fluids Antifreeze This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations. Residents of Orange may dispose of antifreeze at their town transfer station. There may be a disposal fee. Brake Fluid This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations. Carburetor Cleaner This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day. Engine Degreaser This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day. Motor Oil  Motor oil should always be recycled - never thrown in the trash, dumped on the ground, poured into the sewer or down the drain. This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations. Disposal is also available to residents of Buckland, Erving, and Rowe at their towns' Highway Garage, and to residents of Montague and Orange at their towns' transfer stations. You may also take used oil back to where you bought it.  Retailers are required by Massachusetts law to accept up to two gallons of your used oil per day at no charge with an original sales receipt.  Some auto repair shops and gas stations will accept your oil even if you didn't buy it from them.  To locate a collection center near you, you can also call the MassDEP Used Oil Hotline at 617-556-1022. Radiator Flusher This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day. Transmission Fluid This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Bags
Paper: Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling
Plastic: Check with local grocery stores for recycling programs. Where groceries accept plastic bags for recycling, normally the following guidelines apply: Bags must be clean, empty, and dry. Grocery bags (any color), plastic newspaper bags, dry cleaning bags, and other plastic bags labeled "2" or "4" are acceptable. Most dry cleaners will also accept dry cleaning bags.
Other plastic bags can be reused (for instance, as trash liners for small trash bins); otherwise they must be thrown in the garbage. Plastic bags must NOT be included with your regular recycling.

Bakeware (cookie trays, baking pans, Pyrex)
If still in good condition, bakeware may be donated to local resale shops (such as Salvation Army) or rummage sales, or offered at a tag sale. Bakeware in any condition is unfortunately not recyclable. 

Ballast  (from fluorescent light)
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations.
Disposal is available for residents of Heath, Montague, and Orange at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Barbecue Grill
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection, Greenfield Transfer Station, or WTE Metal Recycler.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Buckland, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Heath, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Barbecue Tank
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Buckland, Colrain, Conway, Heath, Montague, Northfield, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations. Twenty pound barbecue tanks are picked up in Erving as part of the Anything Goes Pickup.
There may be a disposal fee.

Bathroom Cleaner
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day. 

Bathtub, Cast-Iron or other metal
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection, Greenfield Transfer Station, or WTE Metal Recycler.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Buckland, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Heath, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Bathtub, Fiberglass or plastic
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station. Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Batteries Alkaline (Household) These are the most common household batteries. They are available in many sizes and shapes such as AAA, AA, C, D and 9 volt. Alkaline batteries manufactured since 1994 do not contain mercury or other hazardous materials. District residents should bring alkaline batteries to their town’s transfer station and give them to the attendant.  Residents of Erving, Gill, Hawley, New Salem, Orange and Sunderland can put alkaline batteries into their trash, since it goes to the landfill and not a trash incinerator. Alkaline batteries may also be brought to the Clean Sweep Collection or the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day. All batteries should be checked carefully before disposal, as some non-alkaline batteries resemble alkalines. If you would like to cut down on the number of alkaline batteries you are using, you could purchase a battery charger and some compatible rechargeable batteries. These batteries can be used and recharged over and over again, but remember to recycle them in a battery box when they cannot be charged anymore. (There is information below on how to properly dispose of each kind of rechargeable battery.) Automobile Automobile batteries are a hazardous material which can be properly disposed of at the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day. Residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Heath, Montague, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell (summer only for Wendell) may instead dispose of automobile batteries at their town transfer stations, and Erving residents may bring auto batteries to the Erving Highway Department. They may also be taken to WTE Metal Recycler. There may be a disposal fee.  Button Button batteries are a hazardous material. They can be recycled in the designated container at all town transfer stations and at Town Halls in Erving, Gill, Hawley, and Sunderland.  Or they may be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations. They may also be brought to the District Office at 50 Miles Street in Greenfield.  Lithium and Lithium-Ion Please note there are 2 types of “lithium” batteries, and they need to be disposed of differently. Lithium-Ion batteries are rechargeable and should be collected with rechargeables. Plain lithium batteries are most often used in cameras and look a lot like AAA alkaline batteries. Some are short and squat, and some are almost rectangular. They should be collected with button batteries. Read on for more details.  Lithium: Lithium batteries are used in many applications but most often in cameras. The word “lithium” is printed on the battery. Be sure to check all batteries; some lithium batteries, such as the AA size or short and fat lithium batteries used in cameras, resemble alkaline batteries, but should be recycled properly in the same collection container as button batteries. See listing above for "Button" batteries. Or they may be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations. They may also be brought to the District Office at 50 Miles Street in Greenfield.  Lithium-Ion: These rechargeable batteries are typically found in ipods and laptop computers. They can be recycled in the Call2Recycle boxes at all town transfer stations and at Town Halls in Erving, Gill, Hawley, and Sunderland.  Or they may be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations. They may also be brought to the District Office at 50 Miles Street in Greenfield.  Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) NiCad batteries, rechargeable batteries that are used in power tools and rechargeable appliances such as handheld vacuum cleaners and rechargeable toothbrushes and razors, are a hazardous material. They can be recycled in the Call2Recycle boxes at all town transfer stations and at Town Halls in Erving, Gill, Hawley, and Sunderland. Or they may be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations. They may also be brought to the District Office at 50 Miles Street in Greenfield. Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) Ni-MH batteries, rechargeable batteries which are used in digital cameras, flashlights, power tools, and other electronics, are a hazardous material. They can be recycled in the Call2Recycle boxes at all town transfer stations and at Town Halls in Erving, Gill, and Sunderland.  Or they may be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations. They may also be brought to the District Office at 50 Miles Street in Greenfield.  Nickel-Zinc (Ni-Zn)  Ni-Zn batteries, rechargeable batteries that are used in cordless power tools, cordless phones, digital cameras, battery operated lawn and garden tools and electric bikes, are a hazardous material.  They can be recycled in the Call2Recycle boxes at all town transfer stations and at Town Halls in Erving, Gill, Hawley and Sunderland.  Or they may be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations. They may also be brought to the District Office at 50 Miles Street in Greenfield.  Rechargeables See individual listings under:  Lithium-Ion, Nickel-Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride, Nickel-Zinc, and Sealed Lead Acid. Sealed Lead Acid Small sealed lead rechargeable batteries found in computers, electronic equipment, power tools, exit lights, security systems, weed trimmers, wheelchairs, and personal UPS units can be recycled in the Call2Recycle boxes at all town transfer stations and at Town Halls in Erving, Gill, Hawley, and Sunderland.  Sealed lead acid batteries from automobiles and children's rideable vehicles are a a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day. For residents of Colrain, Conway, Heath, Montague, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell (summer only) there is also the option of disposing of these larger sealed lead acid batteries at their towns' transfer stations; and for Erving residents at the Town Highway Garage. There may be a disposal fee. Zinc-Carbon and Zinc-Chloride Batteries These are not hazardous, and may be disposed of in the garbage (preferably in your town's bulky waste container) or brought to the Clean Sweep Collection. They are also accepted at the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Beverage Containers
Returnable bottles and cans (the ones that say “MA 5 cents Deposit” on them) should be returned to a redemption center. Beverage containers are accepted at all local transfer stations in Container recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. Rinse containers and remove lids before recycling.
For more detailed information about which containers can and cannot be recycled, see 
Recycling Yes/No List
Plastics Recycling brochure

Bikes 
To give away a bicycle in good condition, try freecycle.org. 
For bikes that are no longer usable, disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection, Greenfield Transfer Station, or WTE Metal Recycler.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Buckland, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Heath, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Biodiesel
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Birds, dead
Report to your town's Board of Health.

Blacktop (Asphalt)
Asphalt is considered a bulky waste item.  Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or the Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Blueprint Paper
Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage. 

Boats
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations. Due to the size of many boats, it is recommended you call beforehand to confirm that your transfer station can accept your boat. Northfield, Shelburne, Sunderland, and Whately have annual one-day bulky collections for residents only.
There may be a disposal fee.

Boilers
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection, Greenfield Transfer Station, or WTE Metal Recycler.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Buckland, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Heath, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Bookcase
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Books
Hardcover: Book exchanges at local transfer stations, used bookstores, or local libraries are a great place to drop off readable books and keep them in circulation. For a list of book collection sites in western Massachusetts, check gotbooks.com and surplusbooksforcharity.org. Hardcover books can only be recycled if the covers and the spine are removed. Otherwise, they must be placed in the garbage.
Paperback: Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. It is not necessary to remove the cover or spine of paperbacks before recycling.
Conway, Wendell, and Whately have special containers for all types of books.

Bottles (empty)
Antifreeze, bleach, chemical, motor oil, and any other container that held hazardous materials : Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage.
Cooking oil, glass (clear, green & brown), laundry detergent, plastic bottles that contained shampoo, soap, soda, water:  Accepted at all local transfer stations in Container recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. Rinse and remove lids, caps, and pumps before recycling.
For more detailed information about which containers can and cannot be recycled, see 
Recycling Yes/No List
Plastics Recycling brochure

Bowls (metal, glass, ceramic, or plastic)
If still in good condition, bowls may be donated to local resale shops (such as Salvation Army) or rummage sales, or offered at a tag sale. Bowls in any condition are unfortunately not recyclable.

Box Springs
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station (limit 4 per household per day).
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Boxboard
Boxboard refers to "flat" (uncorrugated) cardboard such as cereal boxes. Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. Remove liners, bags, etc. before recycling. 

Brake Fluid
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations.

Branches
Disposal is available for residents of Deerfield, Montague, Orange, and Rowe (in Rowe, call for chipper, no charge) at their towns' transfer stations. Residents of Erving may take brush to the town Highway Garage. Whately collects branches and brush twice a year.
There may be a disposal fee.

Bricks
Bricks are considered a bulky waste item.  Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or the Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Brochures & Booklets
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague.

Broken Glass
Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage.

Brown Envelopes
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague.

Brush
Disposal is available for residents of Deerfield, Montague, Orange, and Rowe (in Rowe, call for chipper, no charge) at their towns' transfer stations. Residents of Erving may take brush to the town Highway Garage. Whately collects branches and brush twice a year.
There may be a disposal fee.

Bubble Wrap
Commercial shippers, such as Mailboxes Etc., may accept bubble wrap in good condition for reuse. Call 1-800-828-2214 to find out the location of the nearest Mailboxes Etc. The District office (413-772-2438; MA Relay for the hearing impaired: 711 or 1-800-439-2370 TTY/TDD; or email us) may also be able to suggest local merchants who can reuse bubblewrap. Otherwise, it is not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage if you are not going to reuse it yourself.

Buckets
Metal buckets: Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection, Greenfield Transfer Station, or WTE Metal Recycler.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Buckland, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Heath, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.
Plastic buckets: Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage. 

Bug Spray
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.
   

Building & Remodeling Materials Construction & Demolition Debris Asphalt, Asphalt Shingles, Bricks, Cement, Cinder Blocks, Clapboard, Concrete, Doors, Flooring, Insulation, Lumber, Mortar, Plaster, Plywood, Roofing, Sheetrock, Shingles, Tiles, Windows, Wood: Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station. Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain,  Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations. There may be a disposal fee. Some building materials in good, re-usable condition may be donated to Restore Home Improvement Center in W. Springfield, Massachusetts, or ReNew Building Materials & Salvage in Brattleboro, Vermont. Polyurethane, Stains, Paint, and other Floor & Deck Finishes (oil-based only) These are hazardous materials and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day or to the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations. There is a disposal fee. Roofing Tar, Oil-based Asphalt Sealer These are hazardous materials and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day. There is a disposal fee.

Bulky Waste
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations. Northfield, Shelburne, Sunderland, and Whately have annual one-day collections for residents only.
There may be a disposal fee.

Bullets
Call your local Police Department for proper disposal.

Bureaus
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Butane Lighters
These may be placed in the garbage.

Button Batteries
Button batteries are a hazardous material. They can be recycled in the designated container at all town transfer stations and at Town Halls in Erving, Gill, Hawley, and Sunderland.  Or they may be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations. They may also be brought to the District Office at 50 Miles Street in Greenfield. 

Click here for information on disposal of other types of batteries.

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Cabinets
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.
Cabinets in good condition may be brought to ReNew Building Materials & Salvage.

Calculators
Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage.

Cameras
If the camera has a lithium battery, remove it before disposing of the camera. These batteries can be recycled in the Call2Recycle boxes at all town transfer stations and at Town Halls in Erving, Gill, and Sunderland.  Or they may be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations. They may also be brought to the District Office at 50 Miles Street in Greenfield. 
The camera itself can go in the garbage.

Canning Jars
Canning jars are not recyclable because of the thickness of the glass. Reuse, give to a friend who can use them, put in a tag sale, or place in the garbage.

Cans (Steel [tin-coated] and Aluminum)
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Container recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and  Montague. Rinse before recycling. Labels do not have to be removed.

Caps
Hard plastic caps -- from bottles of water and soda, laundry detergent, facial cleansers, shampoo, etc. -- are not recyclable in local recycling programs because they are often a different type of plastic than the bottle they came on and they are too small to be recycled separately. You can mail your caps to: Aveda Re-Cap Program, ACA Waste Services, 40 EADS Street in Babylon, NY 11704. (Please note: the caps must be the screw-on kind and must be made of plastic.)

Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon monoxide detectors do not contain any radioactive or hazardous materials, and may be disposed of in the garbage. They are not recyclable. 

Carbon Paper
Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage.

Carburetor Cleaner
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Cardboard (corrugated and boxboard)
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. The following types of cardboard are not recyclable: beer or soda cartons (because of the moisture barrier in the cardboard); egg cartons (because the paper fibers are too short to be recycled); and waxed cardboard (because of the coating). The clean portions of a pizza box may be recycled, but any portions that are greasy or have food adhering must be placed in the garbage.

Cardboard Tubes from Paper Towel and Toilet Paper Rolls
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague.

Cards
Greeting cards that include foil or glitter are not recylable. Otherwise, greeting cards are accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. Playing cards are not recyclable, due to their waxy coating. 

Carpeting & Rugs (Area Rugs, Carpet with or without padding)
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee. 

Cassette Tapes and Cassette Tape Boxes
These cannot be recycled locally. GreenDisk offers a mail-in option for recycling all forms of electronic media and their cases: diskettes, zip disks, CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, DVDs et al, video tape, audio tape, game cartridges, DAT, DLT, Beta or Digibeta, and virtually all other type of computer tapes, as well as many other forms of “techno-trash.” See their site for more info.
Otherwise, dispose of cassette tapes and boxes in the garbage.

Catalogs & Magazines
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. Plastic wrappers, if any, must be removed and placed in the trash; plastic wrappers are not recyclable. (Paper magazine wrappers can be recycled.)  

CCA-Treated Wood (pressure-treated)
CCA-treated wood should only be disposed of in a lined landfill, not an incinerator. If you do not know if your residential trash goes to a lined landfill, call the Franklin County Solid Waste District at 413-772-2438 or email us. Do not dispose of CCA-treated wood in a backyard compost pile, brush pile, chipping pile, or burn pile. For more information, including alternative products, click here. 

CDs and CD Trays
These cannot be recycled locally. GreenDisk offers a mail-in option for recycling all forms of electronic media and their cases: diskettes, zip disks, CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, DVDs et al, video tape, audio tape, game cartridges, DAT, DLT, Beta or Digibeta, and virtually all other type of computer tapes, as well as many other forms of “techno-trash.” See their site for more info.
Otherwise, dispose of CDs and their plastic trays in the garbage.

Cell Phone
Cell phones contain hazardous materials and should not be put in the trash.  There are numerous charitable and for-profit organizations that accept donations, including:  Collectivegood.com, Call2Recycle.com and ReCellular.com.  Verizon’s HopeLine phone recycling program collects and donates wireless phones & equipment to assist victims of domestic violence.  You can also drop them off at most stores that sell cellular phones and electronics, including (but not limited to) Staples, Radio Shack and Best Buy. They may also be brought to be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day, the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations, or the District Office at 50 Miles Street in Greenfield.

Cement
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Cereal Boxes
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. Remove any inner bag and dispose in the garbage.  The bag is not recyclable.

Charcoal
Charcoal may be placed in the garbage once it is stone cold!

Chemistry Kit
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Chinaware
If still in good condition, chinaware may be donated to local resale shops (such as Salvation Army) or rummage sales, or offered at a tag sale. Chinaware in any condition is unfortunately not recyclable.

Chlorine Bleach
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day. Empty bleach bottles cannot be recycled. 

Christmas Tree Lights
Strings of Christmas tree lights may be brought directly to WTE, which will reclaim the metal in the wiring. The other option is to put them in the trash. They canNOT go in recycling boxes or in the scrap metal collections at transfer stations.

Christmas Trees
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Buckland, Deerfield, Leyden, Montague, Orange, Wendell, and Whately at their towns' transfer stations. Erving and Shelburne residents may dispose of Christmas trees curbside; Gill and Rowe residents may take them to their towns' Highway Garages; and Sunderland residents may bring them to the town's annual drop-off. Call your town for specific information and dates. 

Cigarette Lighters
These may be placed in the garbage.

Cinder Blocks
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Clapboards
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee. 

Clasp Envelopes
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague.  

Cleaners All-Purpose Cleaner, Ammonia, Bathroom Cleaner, Chlorine Bleach, Disinfectant, Drain Cleaner, Oven Cleaner, Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Upholstery Cleaner, Septic Tank Cleaner All of these products are considered Household Hazardous Waste and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.  It is important not to pour these chemicals down the drain because they have been known to have adverse effects in septic systems and at wastewater treatment plants.  They can also contaminate groundwater and drinking water. It is unsafe to dispose of them in the garbage because they can be harmful to sanitation workers.

Clothing
Charitable organizations (Salvation Army, Goodwill, local churches) often take usable clothing.
Residents may also bring usable clothing to the transfer stations in Conway (swap shop), New Salem (Salvation Army box), Orange (Salvation Army at Recycling Center), Wendell (Salvation Army box), and Whately (Salvation Army box). Clothing that is not appropriate for reuse (torn, stained) can be used as rags.

Coal Ash
Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage after it is cold. 

Coat Hangers
Metal: Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection, Greenfield Transfer Station, or WTE Metal Recycler. Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Buckland, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Heath, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations. 
Plastic: Unfortunately not recyclable, and must be placed in the garbage if no longer usable.

Colored Glass Bottles
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Container recycling, and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. Please remove caps and rinse bottles before recycling. 

Compact Disks and Compact Disk Trays 
These cannot be recycled locally. GreenDisk offers a mail-in option for recycling all forms of electronic media and their cases: diskettes, zip disks, CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, DVDs et al, video tape, audio tape, game cartridges, DAT, DLT, Beta or Digibeta, and virtually all other type of computer tapes, as well as many other forms of “techno-trash.” See their site for more info.
Otherwise, dispose of CDs and their plastic trays in the garbage.

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Compact fluorescents (CFLs) cannot be placed in the trash because they contain a small amount of mercury. They can be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations.
Disposal is available for residents of Buckland, Charlemont, Deerfield, Heath, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Shelburne, Warwick, Wendell, and Whately at their towns' transfer stations. Disposal is also available at the town halls in Deerfield, Gill, and Hawley. There may be a disposal fee.
Expired, unbroken CFLs may be brought to any Home Depot store (returns desk), any Aubuchon Hardware store, or the Solar Store in Greenfield for recycling. There is no charge. 

Computer Disks
Computer disks cannot be recycled in Franklin County. You can either throw them in the trash or arrange to recycle them through GreenDisk. GreenDisk accepts for recycling a wide range of "technotrash," including diskettes, print cartridges, cell phones, and all forms of electronic media and cases. There is a fee for the service. 

Computer Monitors
Computer monitors and televisions contain lead, mercury, cadmium and other hazardous substances. Placing computer monitors in the trash is prohibited by state regulations. Proper disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
As of May 2007, Staples is accepting computers, monitors, laptops, printers, faxes, and all-in-ones at all of its stores for proper recycling. Staples will recycle any manufacturer's products, regardless of whether or not the items were purchased from Staples, and there's no limit on the quantity that can be recycled. There is a fee of $10 per piece (no fee for keyboards and mice). Bring the old equipment to the customer service desk during regular store hours. 
Best Buy will accept up to 2 computer monitors per day at $10 each, and provide a $10 store credit for each monitor. 
Proper disposal is also available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Montague, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations, and for Erving residents at their town's Highway Garage. 
There is a disposal fee.

Computer Peripherals (including speakers)
Printers should be recycled when possible (see above). Disposal is available at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station. Disposal is also available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Montague, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations, and for Erving residents at their town's Highway Garage. There may be a disposal fee. 

Keyboards, mice, track balls, and speakers can be disposed of in the trash.

Computers (CPUs)
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection, Greenfield Transfer Station, or WTE Metal Recycler.
As of May 2007, Staples is accepting computers, monitors, laptops, printers, faxes, and all-in-ones at all of its stores for proper recycling. Staples will recycle any manufacturer's products, regardless of whether or not the items were purchased from Staples, and there's no limit on the quantity that can be recycled. There is a fee of $10 per piece (no fee for keyboards and mice). Bring the old equipment to the customer service desk during regular store hours.  
Best Buy will accept CPUs at no cost. The hard drive must be removed, or the store will remove it for you for a fee.
Disposal is also available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Montague, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations, and for Erving residents at their town's Highway Garage. 
There is a disposal fee.

Concrete
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Construction and Demolition Debris
See Building and Remodeling Materials

Construction Paper
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague.
 

Containers When recycling in western Massachusetts, all you have to do is sort recyclables into two categories: Paper and Containers. But there are many items that were once used to contain a product that are not recyclable.  For detailed information about which containers can and cannot be recycled: Recycling Yes/No List Plastics Recycling Brochure Please do not put recyclable containers in plastic bags, as plastic bags are not recyclable.

Cooking Oil
Used vegetable oil might be accepted at Evergreen Motors in Greenfield. Call 413-772-3131 to find out if your oil is acceptable. No drop offs without prior confirmation.

Cooking Oil Bottle (empty)
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Container recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague.

Cookware
If still in good condition, cookware may be donated to local resale shops (such as Salvation Army) or rummage sales, or offered at a tag sale. Cookware in any condition is unfortunately not recyclable.

Copy Machine
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station. There is a disposal fee.
Some towns accept copy machines with other electronics or with bulky waste. Inquire at your town's transfer station.

Copy Paper
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. 

Corks
Wine corks can be reused in various creative ways, or tossed in the garbage. They cannot go in your recycling bin. If you don't have a use for your corks, they can nevertheless have a second life through ReCORK, which reuses corks to make shoe soles. Ryan & Casey Liquors in Greenfield is now a drop-off spot for ReCORK. Bring your (natural) wine corks back to the store for recycling. Another option: Yemm & Hart, which produces recycled building materials, turns used corks into floor and wall tiles. Consumer pays for shipping (follow the link for much more info).

Copy Paper Wrapper
Paper wrappers for copy paper are not accepted for paper recycling, due to the plastic moisture barrier that coats the wrapper. Plastic wrappers for copy paper are not accepted in pastics recycling. 

Couch
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station (limit 2 per household per day).
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Creosote (from woodstoves)
Creosote cleaned out from woodstoves can be placed in the trash. 

Creosote Sealer
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

CRTs & TVs
Placing CRTs and TVs in the trash is prohibited by state regulations. Proper disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Proper disposal is also available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Montague, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations, and for Erving residents at their town's Highway Garage. 
There is a disposal fee.

Cups
Cups -- whether paper, plastic, styrofoam, or china -- are not recyclable.

Degreaser
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers contain freon. Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection, Greenfield Transfer Station, or WTE Metal Recycler.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Montague, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations, and for Erving residents at their town's Highway Garage.
There may be a disposal fee.

Detergent Bottles
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Container recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. Rinse well.

Diapers
Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage. 

Diesel Fuel
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Dirt
Dirt can be placed in a compost pile, yard, or garden plot. If you have contaminated dirt, contact the District at 413-772-2438 (MA Relay for the hearing impaired: 711 or 1-800-439-2370 TTY/TDD) or by email.

Dishes/Dishware
If still in good condition, dishes may be donated to local resale shops (such as Salvation Army) or rummage sales, or offered at a tag sale. Dishes in any condition are unfortunately not recyclable.

Dishwasher
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection, Greenfield Transfer Station, or WTE Metal Recycler.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Buckland, Colrain, Conway, Heath, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations, and for Erving residents at their town's Highway Garage.
There may be a disposal fee.

Disinfectant
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Disposable Dishes & Utensils
Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage.

Disposable Food Containers (Lunchables, etc)
Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage.

Doors
If the doors are in good, re-usable condition, they may be donated to Restore Home Improvement Center in W. Springfield, Massachusetts, or ReNew Building Materials & Salvage in Brattleboro, Vermont.
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Drain Cleaner
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Drink Boxes (empty)
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Container recycling, and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague.

Drinking Glasses
Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage.

Dry Cleaning Bags & Hangers
Bags: Your dry cleaner may take them. They are also acceptable in the plastic bag recycling programs offered by some grocery stores. Otherwise they are not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage.
Hangers (metal):  Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection, Greenfield Transfer Station, or WTE Metal Recycler.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Buckland, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Heath, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.

Dryer
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection, Greenfield Transfer Station, or WTE Metal Recycler.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Buckland, Colrain, Conway, Heath, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations, and for residents of Erving at their town's Highway Garage. 
There may be a disposal fee.

DVDs
These cannot be recycled locally. GreenDisk offers a mail-in option for recycling all forms of electronic media and their cases: diskettes, zip disks, CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, DVDs et al, video tape, audio tape, game cartridges, DAT, DLT, Beta or Digibeta, and virtually all other type of computer tapes, as well as many other forms of “techno-trash.” See their site for more info.
Otherwise, dispose of DVDs in the garbage.

DVD Player
Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage.

Egg Cartons
Unfortunately, not recyclable. Reuse if possible, then compost or place in the garbage.
 

Electronics Answering Machines, Cell Phones, Computer-related Items, Copy Machines, CRTs & TVs, DVD Players, Fax Machines, Microwaves, Pagers, Printers, Satellite Dishs, Scanners, Stereos, Telephones, Television Sets, VCRs, Video Game Systems Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station. Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations. There is a disposal fee. As of May 2007, Staples is accepting computers, monitors, laptops, printers, faxes, and all-in-ones at all of its stores for proper recycling. Staples will recycle any manufacturer's products, regardless of whether or not the items were purchased from Staples, and there's no limit on the quantity that can be recycled. There is a fee of $10 per piece (no fee for keyboards and mice). Bring the old equipment to the customer service desk during regular store hours.

End Table
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Engine Degreaser
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Envelopes
Even with stamps and plastic windows, envelopes are accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. Manila envelopes are recyclable. Tyvek envelopes are not recyclable. 

Epoxy
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Explosives
Call your local Police Department for proper disposal.

Eyeglasses
Some charitable organizations accept eyeglasses. Find a local Lions Club which will accept your glasses for reuse. Otherwise, they are unfortunately not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage.

Facial Tissue
Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage.

Fax Machine
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station. 
As of May 2007, Staples is accepting computers, monitors, laptops, printers, faxes, and all-in-ones at all of its stores for proper recycling. Staples will recycle any manufacturer's products, regardless of whether or not the items were purchased from Staples, and there's no limit on the quantity that can be recycled. There is a fee of $10 per piece (no fee for keyboards and mice). Bring the old equipment to the customer service desk during regular store hours. 
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Fencing (metal)
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection, Greenfield Transfer Station, or WTE Metal Recycler. It can also be placed in the scrap metal boxes in Bernardston, Buckland, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Heath, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell. 

Fencing (wood)
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Fiberglass Insulation
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations. Northfield, Shelburne, Sunderland, and Whately have annual one-day collections for residents only.
There may be a disposal fee.

File Folders
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague.

Film Canisters
Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage.

Fire Extinguisher 
There are several types of fire extinguishers and ways to dispose of them.  Follow the instructions below or contact the solid waste district at: 413-772-2438 (MA Relay for the hearing impaired: 711 or 1-800-439-2370 TTY/TDD) or by email.

Read the label on the fire extinguisher before you continue.  If it contains carbon tetrachloride you must save it for our household hazardous waste collection.  This chemical is a known carcinogen.  Do not discharge or dispose of with your trash. If you have a carbon dioxide (CO₂) fire extinguisher it could be under extreme pressure. You should contact your local fire department or call the solid waste district for assistance.

For other types of extinguishers: If the fire extinguisher is discharged or has lost all pressure, use tools to unscrew the valve from the base.  Wear a dust mask or respirator and goggles and work outdoors.  Slowly pour the powder inside the base into a trash bag.  Avoid making a cloud of dust from the contents.  The powder is not toxic but should not be breathed.  The powder and the valve can be disposed of as trash.  The metal base can be recycled with scrap metal.

If the fire extinguisher has some pressure remaining you can discharge it in an area where an acidic fertilizer would be used, such as around evergreens. Do not use on lawns. When relieving the pressure (emptying) the container for disposal, review manufacturers' instructions, or, if unavailable, use the PASS technique:

• Pull the pin: this unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher. Some extinguishers may have other seals or tamper indicators.
• Aim low: Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the item.
• Squeeze the lever above the handle: this discharges the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge. (Some extinguishers have a button instead of a lever.)
• Sweep from side to side.

The powder and the valve can be disposed of as trash. The metal base can be recycled with scrap metal.

Flags
For proper disposal of U.S. flags that are no longer in usable condition, contact your local American Legion or VFW post.

Flammable Liquids
These are hazardous materials and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Flea Killer/Flea Shampoo
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Fliers
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague.

Flooring
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.
New tile or hardwood flooring may be brought to Renew Building Materials & Salvage.

Fluorescent Bulbs, including compact fluorescent lights (CFLs)
These contain mercury and cannot be placed in the trash. They can be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day, or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations.
Disposal is available for residents of Buckland, Charlemont, Deerfield, Heath, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Shelburne, Warwick, Wendell, and Whately at their towns' transfer stations. Disposal is also available at the town halls in Deerfield, Gill, and Hawley. There may be a disposal fee.
Expired, unbroken CFLs may be brought to any Home Depot store (returns desk), any Aubuchon Hardware store, or the Solar Store in Greenfield for recycling. There is no charge.

Food
Compost in your backyard or place in the garbage. The District sells compost bins. Whately and Northfield residents can compost food scraps at their towns' transfer stations. 

Freezers
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection, Greenfield Transfer Station, or WTE Metal Recycler.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Montague, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations, and for residents of Erving at their town's Highway Garage.
There may be a disposal fee.

Freezer Packs
Ice packs/freezer packs (used to keep food cold) are not hazardous and may be thrown out with your regular household trash. Do not puncture them. Do not place them in your recycling, even if the liquid has leaked out.

Freon
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Fungicide
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.
 

Furniture Bookcases, Box Springs, Bureaus, Cabinets, Couchs, End Tables, Kitchen/Dining Tables, Loveseats, Mattresses (standard or waterbed), Over-stuffed Chairs, Upholstered Chairs, Wooden Furniture Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station. Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations. Northfield, Shelburne, Sunderland, and Whately have annual one-day collections for residents only. There may be a disposal fee.

Furniture Polish
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Futons
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station (limit 4 per household per day).
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Gasoline
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Gift Wrap
Gift wrap that is foil or metallic is not recyclable. Otherwise, gift wrap is accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague.

Glass Since glass does not degrade, a bottle thrown in a landfill today would still be around in the year 3000. That's why it's so important to recycle any glass food or beverage container. In addition to saving landfill space, recycling saves energy. For example, recycling one glass bottle saves enough energy to light a 100-watt bulb for four hours. Any clear, green, or brown glass bottle which held a food or beverage and is smaller than 2 gallons can be recycled. Empty and rinse; discard caps in trash. Labels and neck rings are okay, as they can be sorted out at the recycling facility.  Recycling Yes/No List There are other glass items that unfortunately cannot be recycled. No light bulbs No window glass No auto glass No broken glass No dishes No drinking glasses No mirrors No Pyrex

Glossy Paper
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague.

Grass Clippings
Grass clippings are banned from trash in Massachusetts. They may be left on the lawn after the grass is cut or added to compost. Disposal is available for residents of Deerfield, Erving, Montague, Orange, Rowe, and Whately (seasonally) at their towns' transfer stations.

Grease
Automotive: This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.
Cooking: Place in the garbage.

Greeting Cards
Greeting cards that include foil or glitter are not recylable. Otherwise, greeting cards are accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague.

Grocery Bags
Paper: Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague.
Plastic: Check with local supermarkets for recycling programs. They can be reused as trash liners for small trash bins; otherwise they must be thrown in the garbage.

Guns
Call your local Police Department for proper disposal.

Gypsum (Sheetrock)
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Hearing Aids
Remove and recycle battery. Dispose of the hearing aid itself in the garbage.

Helium Tanks
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Buckland, Colrain, Conway, Heath, Montague, Northfield, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Herbicide
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

HID Lights (Sodium, Mercury, Metal Halide)
These are hazardous materials and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Holiday Lights
Strings of holiday lights may be brought directly to WTE, which will reclaim the metal in the wiring. The other option is to put them in the trash. They canNOT go in recycling boxes or in the scrap metal collections at transfer stations.

Hot Tub
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal may be available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations. Confirm with the transfer station attendant before hauling!
There may be a disposal fee.

Hypodermic Needles
Hypodermic needles should not be placed in the trash or recycling. Call the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District at 413-772-2438 (MA Relay for the hearing impaired: 711 or 1-800-439-2370 TTY/TDD) or email us for information about our Sharps Collection Program.

Ice-cream Cartons
Ice cream cartons are made of wet strength paper, which is not water soluble, and therefore not usable in most paper making processes. Dispose of with trash.

Ice Packs
Ice packs/freezer packs (used to keep food cold) are not hazardous and may be thrown out with your regular household trash. Do not puncture them. Do not place them in your recycling, even if the liquid has leaked out.

Incandescent Light Bulbs
Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the trash. 

Inflatable Packaging
Plastic inflatable packaging -- NOT bubble wrap, but sealed plastic bags filled with air -- can be included in grocery store plastic bag recycling collection bins, if the packaging is labeled with a "2" or a "4". The bags must first be popped to let the air out. 

Ink Cartridges
Ink cartridges are usually accepted back at a retail store (e.g. Staples).  Often you will receive a discount on your next ink cartridge purchase. They are also accepted at  Ink & Toner Solutions in Northampton and Amherst:  413-517 0099. There are also various programs where you can send your cartridge off in the mail to a charitable organization. Below are a few ideas; many others can be found by searching online.
Cartridges for Kids: http://www.cartridgesforkids.com
Recycle4Charity: http://www.recycle4charity.com, 1-800-588-7960 

Inner Tubes (only with tires)
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Conway, Erving, Montague, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Insecticide
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Insulation
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Juice Bottles (glass and plastic)
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Container recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and  Montague. Discard caps in the garbage. 

Juice Boxes
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Container recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague.

Juice Cans (metal)
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Container recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague.

Juice Concentrate (Frozen) Containers
Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage. The cardboard the tube is made out of is coated and therefore not recyclable. The metal ends when just thrown in loose fall through the machines and end up in the trash.

Junk Mail
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. Remove any plastic wrappers and place them in the trash. 

Kerosene
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Kitchen/Dining Tables
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Kitty Litter
Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage. Kitty litter should not be composted. 

Kitty Litter Buckets
Plastic buckets and pails that contained kitty litter are not recyclable and must be placed in the trash. 

"Kleenex"
Facial tissues (Kleenex or any other brand) are not recyclable and must be placed in the trash.

Latex Paint
Latex paint is not a hazardous waste. It can be disposed of in the regular garbage once the paint is dry. Paint will air dry if the lid is left off the can. However, if there is a large quantity remaining in the can, it will require a very long time to dry. You can speed up the process by stirring in clean kitty litter. The District also sells paint hardener ($1/bag that hardens one gallon). Contact us at 413-772-2438 (MA Relay for the hearing impaired: 711 or 1-800-439-2370 TTY/TDD) or by email if you wish to buy paint hardener.
Do not bring latex paint to the Household Hazardous Waste Day; it will not be accepted. 

Laundry Detergent Bottles
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Container recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague.

Laundry Detergent Boxes
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, Montague, and Sunderland.

Lawn Mowers (Riding & Push)
Before disposing of any lawn mower, remove the gas and oil. Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection, Greenfield Transfer Station, or  WTE Metal Recyclers. They may put in the scrap metal boxes at the transfer stations in Bernardston, Buckland, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Heath, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell.
There may be a disposal fee.

Lead & Oil Based Paints
These are hazardous materials and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day, or to the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at the Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Lead Paint Chips
Lead paint chips are not considered a hazardous waste. They should, however, be disposed of in a lined landfill. Residents of Erving, Gill, and sunderland can place them in their trash. Residents of Bernardston, Colain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell should place them in the bulky waste container at their town's transfer station. disposal is also available at the Clean Sweep Collection.

Leaves/Yard Waste
Leaves and yard waste are banned from trash in Massachusetts. Please compost them if possible. Disposal is available for residents of Buckland, Deerfield, Erving, Montague (leaves only), and Orange at their towns' transfer stations. In Shelburne, leaves are picked up 2x/year curbside; in Sunderland there is an annual drop-off.
 

Lighting Fluorescent Bulbs, including compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) These contain mercury and cannot be placed in the trash. They can be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day, or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations. Disposal is available for residents of Buckland, Charlemont, Deerfield, Heath, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Shelburne, Warwick, Wendell, and Whately at their towns' transfer stations. Disposal is also available at the town halls in Deerfield, Gill, and Hawley. There may be a disposal fee. Expired, unbroken CFLs may be brought to any Home Depot store (returns desk), any Aubuchon Hardware store, or the Solar Store in Greenfield for recycling. There is no charge. Light Ballasts These are hazardous materials and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day, or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at the Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations. Disposal is available for residents of Heath, Montague, and Orange at their towns' transfer stations. There may be a disposal fee. Light Bulbs (incandescent, non-fluorescent) Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage.

Lighter Fluid
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Linseed Oil 
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Lithium and Lithium-Ion Batteries
Please note there are 2 types of “lithium” batteries, and they need to be disposed of differently. Lithium-Ion batteries are rechargeable and should be collected with rechargeables. Plain lithium batteries are most often used in cameras and look a lot like AAA alkaline batteries. Some are short and squat, and some are almost rectangular. They should be collected with button batteries. Read on for more details. 

Lithium: Lithium batteries are used in many applications but most often in cameras. The word “lithium” is printed on the battery. Be sure to check all batteries; some lithium batteries, such as the AA size or short and fat lithium batteries used in cameras, resemble alkaline batteries, but should be recycled properly in the same collection container as button batteries. See listing above for "Button" batteries. Or they may be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations. They may also be brought to the District Office at 50 Miles Street in Greenfield. 
Lithium-Ion: These rechargeable batteries are typically found in ipods and laptop computers. They can be recycled in the Call2Recycle boxes at all town transfer stations and at Town Halls in Erving, Gill, Hawley, and Sunderland.  Or they may be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations. They may also be brought to the District Office at 50 Miles Street in Greenfield. 

Click here for information on disposal of other types of batteries.

Lottery Tickets
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague.

Loveseat
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station (limit 2 per household per day).
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

LP (Liquid Propane) Tanks
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Buckland, Colrain, Conway, Heath, Montague, Northfield, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations. Twenty pound barbecue tanks are picked up in Erving as part of the Anything Goes Pickup. One-pound Coleman cannisters are considered bulky waste and should be disposed in the bulky waste bin.
There may be a disposal fee.

Lumber
Clean, reusable lumber may be donated to Restore Home Improvement Center in W. Springfield, Massachusetts, or ReNew Building Materials & Salvage in Brattleboro, Vermont. Contact them first to be sure they can accept your lumber. 
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Magazines & Catalogs
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. Plastic wrappers, if any, must be removed and placed in the trash; plastic wrappers are not recyclable. (Paper magazine wrappers can be recycled.) 

Margarine Tubs
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Container recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. Place lids in the garbage. 

Mattresses (all types)
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station (limit 4 per household per day).
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee. 
For large quantities of mattresses, Conigliaro Industries of Framingham operates a mattress recycling program:  508-872-9668 or 888-266-4425.

Medical & Infectious Waste
Call the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District at 413-772-2438 (MA Relay for the hearing impaired: 711 or 1-800-439-2370 TTY/TDD) or email us. 

Mercury (liquid)
Mercury is toxic and should not be thrown out in the trash! Elemental mercury is a silvery liquid that is commonly used in thermometers and thermostats. Mercury is not hazardous to humans when it is in a sealed device. The danger to health and the environment arises when mercury-containing articles are broken and discarded in the trash. (Or broken after being discarded in the trash.) If you have liquid mercury, it must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day. See entries immediately below for additional disposal options for devices containing mercury. 

Mercury-Containing Devices
Mercury-containing devices include thermometers (with silver-colored liquid), thermostats, and fluorescent lights.These are hazardous materials and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at the Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations. Thermometers and thermostats may also be brought to the District office (50 Miles Street, Greenfield). There is no fee for these items. 
Here's a link to more information about mercury. 

Mercury Thermometers & Thermostats
Mercury is a silvery liquid. If you have a thermometer with mercury in it, bring it to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day, the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at the Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations, or the District Office. We offer a free digital thermometer in exchange. (One per household.) If the thermometer has red or blue liquid, it does not contain mercury and may be put in the trash. 
Thermostats must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day, the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at the Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations, or the District Office.
 

Metal Steel and aluminum are the major metals in our everyday lives and both are easily recyclable. Recycling one aluminum can saves the energy equivalent of one cup of gasoline. There are 16 cups to a gallon. So, recycling eight 24-packs of soda would be the energy equivalent of filling a 12-gallon gas tank! To recycle beverage cans or food cans, simply rinse them and place in Container recycling. For more details about recycling metal containers, see Recycling Yes/No List. Larger items like appliances can be taken to your local transfer station as scrap metal, to WTE Metal Recycling in Greenfield, to the Clean Sweep Collection, or to the Greenfield Transfer Station. What transfer stations will accept varies from town to town; you can either look for your item by name on this page (for instance, "stove") or look at town-by-town listings by clicking here. If you don't find your item listed, please call the Solid Waste District Office at (413) 772-2438 (MA Relay for the hearing impaired:  711 or 1-800-439-2370 TTY/TDD) or email us.

Metal Polish
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Microwaves 
Microwaves are considered "bulky waste" and cannot be disposed of in the trash or with scrap metal. Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Milk Cartons
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Container recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. Rinse well before recycling. Discard plastic caps in the garbage.

Milk Jugs
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Container recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. Rinse well before recycling. Discard plastic caps in the garbage.

Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is not hazardous and may be placed in the garbage.

Mirrors
Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage.

Mortar
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Moth Balls
These are a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Motor Oil
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day, or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at the Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations.  Some auto repair shops will accept used oil.
Motor oil disposal is available for town residents only at Buckland Highway Garage, Erving Highway Garage, Montague Recycling Center, Orange Transfer Station, and Rowe Town Garage.

Oil Filters: Used oil filters should be punctured on the dome top and drained while hot. Capture the oil that drains from the filter and consolidate it with other motor oil. Once the filter is drained, it can be placed in scrap metal recycling or in the trash. Oil filters cannot be recycled. Disposal is also available, for a fee, at the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at the Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer staions. They may be accepted by some auto repair shops.

Motor Oil Bottles (empty)
Motor oil bottles and any other containers that held hazardous materials (that cannot and should not be rinsed clean) are not recyclable and should be thrown away as trash.

Muriatic Acid
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Needles, Syringes, & other Sharps
Call the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District at 413-772-2438 (MA Relay for the hearing impaired: 711 or 1-800-439-2370 TTY/TDD) or email us to learn about our Sharps Collection Program.

Newspapers (including inserts)
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. Place loose or in a brown paper bag. Do not bundle, tie, or place in plastic bags.

Nickel-Cadminum (NiCad) Batteries
NiCad batteries, rechargeable batteries that are used in power tools and rechargeable appliances such as handheld vacuum cleaners and rechargeable toothbrushes and razors, are a hazardous material. They can be recycled in the Call2Recycle boxes at all town transfer stations and at Town Halls in Erving, Gill, Hawley, and Sunderland. Or they may be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations. They may also be brought to the District Office at 50 Miles Street in Greenfield.

Click here for information on disposal of other types of batteries.

Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) Batteries
Ni-MH batteries, rechargeable batteries which are used in digital cameras, flashlights, power tools, and other electronics, are a hazardous material. They can be recycled in the Call2Recycle boxes at all town transfer stations and at Town Halls in Erving, Gill, and Sunderland.  Or they may be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations. They may also be brought to the District Office at 50 Miles Street in Greenfield. 

Click here for information on disposal of other types of batteries.

Nickel-Zinc (Ni-Zn) Batteries
Ni-Zn batteries, rechargeable batteries that are used in cordless power tools, cordless phones, digital cameras, battery operated lawn and garden tools and electric bikes, are a hazardous material.  They can be recycled in the Call2Recycle boxes at all town transfer stations and at Town Halls in Erving, Gill, Hawley and Sunderland.  Or they may be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations. They may also be brought to the District Office at 50 Miles Street in Greenfield.

Click here for information on disposal of other types of batteries.

No-Pest Strips
These are a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Office Paper (white and colored)
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. There is no need to remove staples. Do remove plastic binders. 

Oil Filters
Used oil filters should be punctured on the dome top and drained while hot. Capture the oil that drains from the filter and consolidate it with other motor oil. Once the filter is drained, it can be placed in scrap metal recycling or in the trash. Oil filters cannot be recycled. Disposal is also available, for a fee, at the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at the Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer staions. They may be accepted by some auto repair shops.

Oily Soil
Call the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District at 413-772-2438 (MA Relay for the hearing impaired: 711 or 1-800-439-2370 TTY/TDD) or email us. 

Oven Cleaner
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Overhead Transparencies
Overhead transparencies can be recycled by mailing them to:
3M Recycle Program
c/o Gemark
99 Stevens Lane
Exeter, PA 18643

Over-stuffed Chairs
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station (limit 2 per household per day).
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Packing Peanuts & Bubble Wrap
Please call 1-800-828-2214 for the peanuts collection nearest you or call 1-800-789-4623 for the nearest Mailboxes Etc. The District office may also be able to suggest local merchants who can reuse these materials. They are unfortunately not recyclable and if not reused, must be placed in the garbage. 

Padded Envelopes 
Reuse if possible; otherwise discard in trash. These envelopes are not recyclable.

Pagers
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station. Pagers also may be placed in the garbage.Remove the battery first.
There may be a disposal fee.

Pails
Metal pails: Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection, Greenfield Transfer Station, or WTE Metal Recycler.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Buckland, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield,  Heath, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.
Plastic pails: Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage. 
 

Paints If the paint is still in usable condition, you can ask a local community theatre group or school theatre department if they would like to have it. Art or hobby paint may be useful to your local school art department or to The Art Garden in Shelburne Falls. Otherwise:  Latex Paint Latex paint is not a hazardous waste. It can be disposed of in the regular garbage once the paint is dry. Latex paint will air dry if the lid is left off the can. However, if there is a large quantity remaining in the can, it will require a very long time to dry. You can speed up the process by stirring in clean kitty litter. The District also sells paint hardener ($1/bag that hardens one gallon). Contact us at 413-772-2438 (MA Relay for the hearing impaired: 711 or 1-800-439-2370 TTY/TDD) or by email if you wish to buy paint hardener. Do not bring latex paint to the Household Hazardous Waste Day; it will not be accepted. Paints & Stains (Lead & Oil based) These are hazardous materials and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day, or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at the Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations. Disposal is available for residents of Orange at their town's transfer station. There may be a disposal fee. Water-based Stain Water-based stain is not a hazardous waste. It can be disposed of in the regular garbage once the stain is dry. Do not bring water-based stain to the Household Hazardous Waste Day; it will not be accepted.

Paint Cans (empty)
Cans must be completely empty and dry. Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection, Greenfield Transfer Station, or WTE Metal Recycler.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Buckland, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.

Paint Thinner
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day, or to the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at the Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Pallets
Call the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District at 413-772-2438. (MA Relay for the hearing impaired: 711 or 1-800-439-2370 TTY/TDD) or email us. There is additional information about pallets here.

Pamphlets
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. 
 

Paper When recycling in western Massachusetts, all you have to do is sort recyclables into two categories: Paper and Containers. For detailed information about what paper can and cannot be recycled: Recycling Yes/No List Please do not put recyclable paper in plastic bags, as plastic bags are not recyclable.

Paper Towels
Paper towels are unfortunately not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage. However, the cardboard tubes may be included with Paper recycling. (The cardboard tubes from toilet paper may also be recycled.) 

Paperboard
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague.

PCB Ballast
These is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day, or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at the Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations.
Disposal is available for residents of Heath, Montague, and Orange at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

PCB Transformers
These are hazardous materials and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Peanut Butter Jars (plastic or glass)
The jars for peanut butter, whether plastic or glass, are accepted at all local transfer stations in Container recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. Rinse well.

Pellet Bags
Pellet bags can be reused as trash bags. They cannot be recycled with plastic containers or in grocery store plastic bag recycling programs. However, as of August 2011, a pellet bag recycling initiative has been launched in Franklin County. Collection bins for pellet bags can now be found at Bernardston Farmer's Supply, the Bernardston Transfer Station, and the Greenfield Farmers Cooperative Exchange. 

Pepper Spray
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Pesticide
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Phone Books
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague.

Phones
Land-line phones: Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station, or telephones may be placed in the garbage.
Cell phones: See here for info about cell phones.

Photographic Chemicals
These are hazardous materials and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Picture Glass
Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage. 

Pizza Boxes 
IF there are portions of the box (such as the lid) that are grease-free and food-free, they can be accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. Only clean boxes, or the clean parts of boxes, can be recycled. 

Plaster
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.
 

Plastics Many plastics are accepted at all local transfer stations in Container recycling (and curbside in Erving, Gill, Montague, and Sunderland).  But there are many other plastics that cannot be recycled in Franklin County. Please look over our Plastics Recycling brochure for more information on this complicated waste management issue.

Plastic Bags
Plastic bags may NOT be put into regular recycling bins used for curbside or transfer station recycling. However, some grocery stores do accept plastic bags for recycling. These programs accept plastic grocery bags, plastic newspaper bags, dry cleaning bags, CLEAN sandwich/ziploc bags, and any plastic bag with the number "2" or "4" inside the recycling symbol. (Some produce bags are labelled 2 or 4.) The bags must be empty, clean, and dry. Remember to check for receipts, coins, and trash before you put bags in the collection box. The continuation of plastic bag collection programs is dependent on these guidelines being scrupulously followed! 

Plastic Furniture
Plastic furniture is not recyclable. Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Plastic Shopping Bags
Please do not put recyclable materials (mixed paper, glass/metal/plastic containers) in plastic bags; they only cause problems for recycling facilities. Plastic bags can be reused many times, but reusable shopping bags are a much better alternative. Plastic grocery sacks can be recycled at most supermarkets (Big Y, Stop & Shop, Whole Foods, etc.) and many large retail stores (Wal-Mart). In addition, most dry cleaners will accept clothing bags for recycling.

Plastic Utensils
Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage.

Plastic Wrap
Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage.

Plates 
Glass, ceramic, plastic, or metal: If still in good condition, plates may be donated to local resale shops (such as Survival Center, Salvation Army) or rummage sales, or offered at a tag sale. Plates in any condition are unfortunately not recyclable.
Paper: Unfortunately not recyclable and must be placed in the trash. Whately and Northfield residents can put paper plates in the compost bin at their towns' transfer stations. 

Plexiglass
Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage. 

Plywood
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.
Plywood in good condition and in quantities of at least half a sheet may be brought to ReNew Building Materials & Salvage.

Polyurethane and other Floor & Deck Finishes
These are hazardous materials and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day, or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at the Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations.

Pool Chemicals
These are hazardous materials and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Posters
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. Posters that have been mounted on foam core are not recyclable. 

Post-It Notes
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague.

Prescription Drugs
Call the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District at 772-2438 (MA Relay for the hearing impaired: 711 or 1-800-439-2370 TTY/TDD) or email us. 

Pressure-Treated Lumber
Pressure-treated wood should only be disposed of in a lined landfill, not an incinerator. If you do not know if your residential trash goes to a lined landfill, call the Franklin County Solid Waste District at 413-772-2438 or email us. Do not dispose of pressure-treated wood in a backyard compost pile, brush pile, chipping pile, or trash incinerator. For more information, including alternative products, click here.

Printers
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station, or they may placed in the garbage.
As of May 2007, Staples is accepting computers, monitors, laptops, printers, faxes, and all-in-ones at all of its stores for proper recycling. Staples will recycle any manufacturer's products, regardless of whether or not the items were purchased from Staples, and there's no limit on the quantity that can be recycled. There is a fee of $10 per piece (no fee for keyboards and mice). Bring the old equipment to the customer service desk during regular store hours. 
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Propane Tanks
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Buckland, Colrain, Conway, Heath, Montague, Northfield, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations. Twenty pound barbecue tanks are picked up in Erving as part of the Anything Goes Pickup.
There may be a disposal fee.

Push Lawn Mower
Before disposing of any lawn mower, remove the gas and oil. Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection, Greenfield Transfer Station, or WTE Metal Recycling. They may put in the scrap metal boxes at the transfer stations in Bernardston, Buckland, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Heath, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell.
There may be a disposal fee.

Radiator Flush
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Radioactive Material
Call the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District at 413-772-2438 (MA Relay for the hearing impaired: 711 or 1-800-439-2370 TTY/TDD) or email us. 

Rags
These can be used for many household cleaning projects. Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage after you're done re-using them.

Rags-Oily
Call the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District at 413-772-2438 (MA Relay for the hearing impaired: 711 or 1-800-439-2370 TTY/TDD) or email us. 

Railroad Ties
Call the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District at 413-772-2438 (MA Relay for the hearing impaired: 711 or 1-800-439-2370 TTY/TDD) or email us. 

Receipts
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague.

Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable batteries are a hazardous material. There are numerous types: Lithium-Ion, Nickel-Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride, Nickel-Zinc, and Sealed Lead Acid. They can be recycled in the Call2Recycle boxes at all town transfer stations and at Town Halls in Erving, Gill, Hawley, and Sunderland.  Or they may be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations. They may also be brought to the District Office at 50 Miles Street in Greenfield. 

Click here for further information on disposal of rechargeable and other types of batteries.

Refrigerant
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Refrigerators
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection, Greenfield Transfer Station, or WTE Metal Recycler.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Erving, Montague, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Rendering (Grease)
Call the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District at 413-772-2438 (MA Relay for the hearing impaired: 711 or 1-800-439-2370 TTY/TDD) or email us. 

Ribbon
Ribbon can be used over and over. When it is beyond reuse, it must be placed in the trash. It is not recyclable.

Riding Lawn Mower
Before disposing of any lawn mower, remove the gas and oil. Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection, Greenfield Transfer Station, or WTE Metal Recycler.
There may be a disposal fee.

Rodent Killer
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Roofing
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Roofing Tar
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.
Latex Roofing Tar: This is not a hazardous waste. It can be disposed of in the regular garbage, once it is dried out. 

Root Killer
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Rototiller
Before disposing of a rototiller, remove the gas and oil. Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection, Greenfield Transfer Station, or WTE Metal Recycling. Rototillers may put in the scrap metal boxes at the transfer stations in Bernardston, Buckland, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Heath, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell.
There may be a disposal fee.

Rust Inhibitor
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Sandwich Baggies
If they have been thoroughly washed (no food residue), plastic sandwich baggies are acceptable at supermarket plastic bag recycling collection centers. They can also be washed and re-used repeatedly. They cannot go in the regular recycling. 

Satellite Dish
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Sawdust
Unfortunately, not recyclable and may be placed in the garbage. In small quantities, it can be added to compost, but it is slow to break down. In some cases, it can be used as mulch. 

Scanners
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.  Scanners can be placed in the Bulky Waste bins at the transfer stations in Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell. Scanners may also be placed in the garbage.
There may be a disposal fee.

Scrapbooking Papers
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague.

Scrap Metal
(for example: Bicycle, Riding and Push Mowers, Rototiller, Snowblower)
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection, Greenfield Transfer Station, or WTE Metal Recycler.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Buckland, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield,  Heath, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Sealant
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at the Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations.
Latex Sealant: This is not a hazardous waste. It can be disposed of in the regular garbage, once it is dried out.

Sealed Lead Acid Batteries
Small sealed lead rechargeable batteries found in computers, electronic equipment, power tools, exit lights, security systems, weed trimmers, wheelchairs, and personal UPS units can be recycled in the Call2Recycle boxes at all town transfer stations and at Town Halls in Erving, Gill, Hawley, and Sunderland. 
Sealed lead acid batteries from automobiles and children's rideable vehicles are a a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day. For residents of Colrain, Conway, Heath, Montague, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell (summer only) there is also the option of disposing of these larger sealed lead acid batteries at their towns' transfer stations; and for Erving residents at the Town Highway Garage.
There may be a disposal fee.

Click here for information on disposal of other types of batteries.

Septic Tank Cleaner
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Shampoo Bottles
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Container recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and  Montague. Caps should be removed, if possible, and placed in the garbage. 

Sharps
Do not place sharps in the trash or recycling.Call the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District at 413-772-2438 (MA Relay for the hearing impaired: 711 or 1-800-439-2370 TTY/TDD) or email us to learn about our Sharps Collection Program.

Sheet Glass
Unfortunately, not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage.

Sheetrock
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Shingles
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Shoes
Charitable organizations (Salvation Army, Goodwill, local churches) will often accept shoes in good condition.  Otherwise they are not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage.

Shredded Paper
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving and Gill. Montague does not accept shredded paper curbside, but it can be brought to the recycling center at the town transfer station off Turnpike Road. The shredded paper must be inside a paper bag. 

Siding
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Sinks
If the sink is in good, re-usable condition, it may be donated to Restore Home Improvement Center in W. Springfield, Massachusetts, or ReNew Building Materials & Salvage in Brattleboro, Vermont.
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Smoke Detectors
The most common type of smoke detector is an ionization detector, which contains a small amount of Americium 241. Smoke detectors can be safely placed in the bulky waste box at a transfer station (Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell). They can be placed in the trash in Erving, Gill, and Sunderland. They may also be brought to the Clean Sweep Collection.

Sneakers
One World Running will send still-wearable shoes to athletes in need in Africa, Latin America, and Haiti. Worn-out shoes can be turned into playground and athletic flooring in Nike's Reuse-a-Shoe program.

Snowblower
Before disposing of a snowblower, remove the gas and oil. Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection, Greenfield Transfer Station, or WTE Metal Recycling.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Soap bottles
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Container recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and  Montague. Caps and pumps should be removed and placed in the garbage.

Soda & Beer Cartons
Because they contain a moisture-barrier, these are unfortunately not recyclable and must be placed in the garbage.

Soda Bottles
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Container recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and  Montague. Rinse bottles; remove caps and place them in the garbage. 

Solvents
These are hazardous materials and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Soymilk Boxes and Cartons
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Container recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and  Montague. Rinse well.

Spa
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
There is a disposal fee.

Spiral Notebooks and Tablets
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague. It's not necessary to remove the spirals before recycling!

Sporting Goods
Resell or donate if they are in good condition. Otherwise they are not recyclable. 
Small items: May be placed in the garbage. 
Large items: Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station. Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Spot Remover/Solvents
These are hazardous materials and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Spray Paint
This is a hazardous material and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day.

Stains (oil-based)
These are hazardous materials and must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day or the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at the Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations. Disposal is available for residents of Orange at their town's transfer station.
There may be a disposal fee. 

Stains (water-based)
Water-based stain is not a hazardous waste. It can be disposed of in the regular garbage once the stain is dry. Do not bring water-based stain to the Household Hazardous Waste Day; it will not be accepted.

Steel Cans
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Container recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and  Montague.

Stereos
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations. There may be a disposal fee.

Sticky Notes
Accepted at all local transfer stations in Paper recycling and curbside in Erving, Gill, and Montague.

Stove
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection, Greenfield Transfer Station, or WTE Metal Recycler.
Disposal is available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations.
There may be a disposal fee.

Street Sand
May be placed in the garbage.

Styrofoam (Polystyrene)
There are no local outlets for recycling polystyrene.     
Foam blocks, like the packaging typically used to secure electronics or appliances in shipping, are called "expanded polystyrene molders" or EPS. Clean, uncontaminated EPS packaging can be mailed to: 
Polyfoam Corporation

2355 Providence Road

PO Box 906

Northbridge, MA 01534

The EPS should be free from any significant dirt, tape, or any other contaminants and should be marked with the plastics symbol #6 (in the triangle or chasing arrows). Foodservice items are NOT accepted -- only foam block packaging. The consumer is responsible for the shipping fees.

Styrofoam Peanuts
The UPS Store at 21 Mohawk Trail in Greenfield accepts clean and dry packing peanuts and bubble wrap for reuse. The District office (413-772-2438) may also be able to suggest local merchants who can reuse these materials. Or you can call the Peanut Hotline at (800) 828-2214, a toll-free, automated 24-hour service that provides callers with the location of the nearest site that accepts loose fill packaging for reuse. If not reused, styrofoam peanuts must be placed in the garbage. 

Syringes & Needles
Do not place syringes or needles in the trash or recycling. Call the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District at 772-2438 (MA Relay for the hearing impaired: 711 or 1-800-439-2370 TTY/TDD) or email us for more information about our Sharps Collection Program.

Telephone
Land-line phones: Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station, or telephones may be placed in the garbage.
Cell phones: See here for info about cell phones.

Television Sets
Placing televisions in the trash is prohibited by state regulations. Proper disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer Station.
Proper disposal is also available for residents of Bernardston, Colrain, Conway, Montague, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Warwick, and Wendell at their towns' transfer stations, and for Erving residents at their town's Highway Garage. 
There is a disposal fee.

Textiles
Charitable organizations (Salvation Army, Goodwill, local churches) often take usable clothing.
Residents may also bring usable clothing to Conway (swap shop), Heath, Orange (Salvation Army at Recycling Center), Wendell (Salvation Army box), and Whately (Salvation Army box) transfer stations. Clothing that is not appropriate for reuse (torn, stained) can be used as rags.

Thermometers & Thermostats
Mercury is a silvery liquid. If you have a thermometer with mercury in it, bring it to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day, the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at the Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations, or the District Office at 50 Miles Street, Greenfield. We offer a free digital fever thermometer in exchange. (One per household.) If the thermometer has red or blue liquid, it does not contain mercury and may be put in the trash.
Thermostats must be brought to the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day, the Regional Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at the Bernardston, Colrain, and Conway transfer stations, or the District Office at 50 Miles Street, Greenfield.
Here's a link to more information about mercury. 

Tiles
Disposal is available to all District residents at the Clean Sweep Collection or Greenfield Transfer