The decision made by the Town of Smithfield to collect yard waste once per month for July, August, and September was not made lightly.  The Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) can manage only a portion of the compostable waste generated by the residents of the State and therefore has made significant cuts in the amount of yard waste they will accept from all towns.  RIRRC has reduced the limit on the amount of yard waste The Town of Smithfield can take to Johnston for composting from 100 pounds per household per year to 30 pounds per household per year.  The fees the Town would pay for exceeding this limit are significant.

            Through the summer the Town will collect yard waste the second full week of the month on your regular trash day.  Collection will take place the weeks of July 14, August 11 (a holiday week that delays all waste collection one day), and September 15.  To manage yard waste the Town of Smithfield encourages residents to use mulching lawn mowers (any lawn mower can be converted to a mulching mower) or to compost their yard waste.  A properly maintained compost pile will not smell or encourage insects to congregate.)  Yard waste can also be disposed of directly at the RIRRC facility in Johnston for a fee of $23 per ton or at Smithfield Peat for $7 per cubic yard.

            In the fall and spring (October 6 through December 5, 2008 and April 6 through June 26, 2009) when autumn leaves need to be disposed of, yard waste will be collected weekly.

            Gina Barbeau
Recycling Coordinator
Town of Smithfield, RI