Gina Barbeau
Recycling Coordinator

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What's New

• Recycling bin shortage

• FAQ Updated

• White Goods Online Pickup Request Form

• 2008 Recycling Calendar Updated

• Yard Waste Pickup Schedule Change

LOCATION:  The Recycling Department is located in the Smithfield Department of Public Works at 3 Spragueville Road , Smithfield, RI.   Mailing address is 64 Farnum Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917.

HOURS:  7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

FUNCTION:  Under the general supervision of the Director of Public Works, the Recycling Coordinator provides coordinative and administrative support for Town recycling programs and projects, including: providing liaison with the public, schools, community groups, Town businesses and other local government agencies, developing informational materials, assisting the Director in the overseeing of daily residential curbside operations, and performing related duties.

Primary project components include monitoring residential curbside pick-up, increasing participation in the corrugated cardboard program, implementing strategies for local commercial/industrial recycling, and designing and implementing environmental education programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Monitor private haulers for contract compliance

• Citizen complaint resolution
• Coordinates development and research of solid waste reduction activities.
• Increase & implement public awareness and participation in recycling programs

Frequently Asked Questions

click here
Top Ten Questions About Recycling

Why didn’t the garbage truck take my trash?

Why didn’t the garbage truck take my trash?

Did you remember to put out your recycling? Smithfield operates a Total Participation Recycling Program whereby you must set out at least one bin of recycling with your trash to receive garbage collection.  Read more about Total Participation Recycling here  Need a new bin? Recycle bins may be purchased at Public Works, Monday through Friday between 7:30 AM and 3:15 PM (or by appointment at 233-1034) for a charge of $5 per bin.
 

Is trash, recycling, and yard waste pick-up delayed due to a holiday?
Yes.  When a holiday occurs, normal scheduled pick-ups are one day later (For example, for  a Monday holiday, Monday’s  pick-up is Tuesday, Tuesday’s is Wednesday ……..and Friday’s is Saturday).  Here are the holidays that affect the schedule for trash pickup:

What are the conditions for trash pickup?

• Rubbish must be at the curb by 5:30 am on the day of collection.
• No more than 240 gallons of waste are for a single family dwelling which equates to seven to eight 32 gallon barrels, or bags including yard waste.
• One bulky item may be substituted for one barrel of trash. Only one bulky item is allowed per week.
• Containers or barrels shall be of the 32-33 gallon capacity; and plastic bags shall be no larger than 30 gallon capacity.
• 55 gallon drums, custom-made barrels or containers larger than 33 gallons are not acceptable.
• Items must not weigh over 60 pounds in any one container, barrel or bag.
• Bricks, earth gravel, rocks, or dead animals are not acceptable for collection.

Can I put a sofa, television, or “heavy-item” out for pick-up? If so, when?
Yes.  Heavy items are picked up every week at curbside.  Chairs, tables, sofas, televisions, mattresses, lawn furnishings, etc., are all acceptable, subject to the following conditions:

• All items must be placed at the curb on your regular day for collection.

• Carpets must be cut to lengths of 3 feet, rolled and tied.

• Residential home improvement debris must fit inside one 32 gallon barrel with the lid on.

• Contractors are responsible to dispose of their own building materials and remodeling debris.

Where can I donate items that still can be used?
The following organizations will help you find a home for goods that are still useable:

• http://www.resourcexchange.org/ The ResourceXchange is a free service provided by the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation ( RIRRC ). The service is designed to help businesses find markets for non-hazardous materials that have been traditionally discarded.

• The Salvation Army: 401-421-5270;

• Goodwill: 861-2080;

• http://providence.craigslist.org/ Craig’s List is a free classified advertising service dedicated to designated geographic areas.

Are there organizations that can reuse my “heavy-items”?
Yes. The RI Donation Exchange Program: 831-5511, www.ridep.com; The Salvation Army: 421-5270; Goodwill: 861-2080.

Cardboard box recycling?
Cardboard is a recyclable item. Cardboard put out as trash will not be taken away.  If cardboard is not properly cut to approximately 3 feet by 3 feet, or less, and put alongside or in the Green Recycle Bin, the Recycling collector will not accept it.  Residents are also reminded that cardboard boxes may not be used as a trash container.  All trash must be contained in a barrel.

How to I dispose of a refrigerator, stove, washer, dryer or water heater?
White goods/appliances are collected on the 1^st Friday of the month. To schedule a pick up, call us at 233-1034 by 11:00 AM on the Thursday before the first Friday, leaving your address and the item being discarded.   Please place white goods/appliances out for collection no earlier than 24 hours before the scheduled pick-up day. Please remove doors from refrigerators, and place next to the unit.  You can also use the online form here to contact us.

How do I dispose of leftover paint?
The best option is to use up all of the paint. If you have a substantial amount left over from your project, try contacting elementary schools, theater groups, Habitat for Humanity, the Ronald McDonald House, or other community groups to see if they can use your paint for their projects.

            Latex paint: Allow the paint to solidify, and then dispose the paint and the can in your regular trash. There are commercially available agents (as well as cat litter, sand or sawdust) that speed the solidifying process along. You can also simply pour thin layers (about 1" of paint) into a cardboard box lined with plastic and then allow the paint to dry one layer at a time until all paint has hardened.

            Oil paint: Oil paint is a household hazardous waste, and must be taken to the Eco-Depot, either the main location at the Central Landfill in Johnston or at one of the satellite locations held around the state. Smithfield is hosting a household hazardous waste drop-off on Saturday, August 19, 2006. Call the DPW for more information.

More information on recycling & disposing of hazardous substances

• Yard waste is collected weekly from the second week in April through the end of June and the first week in October through the second week in December.  July through September, Yard waste is collected the second full week of the month on your regular trash day.
• Yard waste must be placed at the curb on your regular day of collection.
• Yard waste must be placed in acceptable biodegradable containers, paper bags, or uncovered trash barrels labeled “Yard Waste.”
• Branches and brush must be cut in lengths of 3 feet, bundled and tied.
• Milled lumber is not accepted.
• Call the Highway Department at 233-1034 for details.

Is there a limit on yard waste disposal?  
YES. All residents are limited to 240 gallons of both household and yard waste per week which equates to seven to eight 32 gallon barrels, or bags.  However, the town attempts to make concessions during the spring and fall leaf season and we ask that you do the same by spacing out your leaves over several weeks. -- REMEMBER! YARD WASTE MUST BE IN BROWN PAPER BAGS TO RECEIVE COLLECTION!

How about my Christmas tree?
Christmas tree pickups are scheduled on January 12-16, 2009 (dates announced annually) on your regular trash pickup day.  Please remove all ornaments, decorations, tinsel and stands.

What items are recyclable? 
Visit the RI Resource Recovery Corp web site www.rirrc.org or speak with the Smithfield Recycling Coordinator, at 233-1034.  Click here for a guide from the RIRRC.

How do I get a new recycling bin?  Is there a cost?
Recycle bins may be purchased at Public Works, 3 Spragueville Rd., Monday through Friday between 7:30 AM and 3:15 PM (or by appointment at 233-1034) for a charge of $5 per bin.

Can I recycle used motor oil?  Used oil filters?
Yes! Used motor oil and oil filters may be recycled at Public Works, Monday through Friday
between 7:30 AM and 3:15 PM, at No Charge, 4 gallons maximum per visit.

Who are the Town's trash contractors?
MTG Disposal, LTD collects residential refuse, bulky items and residential recycling. CRT Recycling collects white goods, metal items and e-waste.

Can I recycle ink jet cartridges?
Yes.  Ink jet cartridges can be recycled with free, postage paid, ink jet mailers available for the public in the Town Clerk’s office in Town Hall and at the Highway Garage. You can take as many as you need.

Is there an exact list of items that are recyclable and how to recycle them?
Yes.  Please click here for the list. (Adobe pdf format)  Updated 12-18-2007.