Single Stream Recycling

Studies have shown that Single Stream Recycling System can increase recycling participation, decrease the amount of trash, and save money for cities and towns. Quincy began Single Stream Recycling in 2008. This system allows residents to place ALL recyclable material, paper, glass, plastic, metal cans and cardboard together into one large container. No more separating!!!

Recycling cardboard, paper, glass, metal and plastic reduces the weight of trash, and provides revenue to the city. Since FY 2008 the city saved over $300,000 in disposal costs and earned over $255,000 in recycling revenue. That's money that can be used to enhance services like public health and safety, education, senior services and recreation. 

Quincy is one of a handful of municipalities still earning money for its recyclable material. That's because the City opted for fixed, guaranteed revenue not tied to market fluctuations.

How to Participate
Convert one of your existing 32-gallon trash containers into a Single Stream Recycling container by simply applying a City supplied recycling sticker. You can still use your current recycling bin if you choose. Free Single Stream Recycle Stickers are available at the City Hall Information Desk, 1305 Hancock St., the DPW, 55 Sea Street, Monday through Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M., Curry Hardware, 370 Copeland St. and Danny's Hardware, 53 Billings Rd. You may also call (617) 376-1953 or email your request to: recyclequincy@quincyma.gov to have stickers mailed.

The Ideal Recycling Container
The City no longer supplies recycling bins to residents. A 32-gallon plastic barrel with detachable lid is preferred. Larger containers are unsuitable as they may hold in excess of 50 lbs and are designed for automated collection.

$5 Coupons
Get $5 off the purchase of a 32-gallon Single Stream Recycling barrel from Curry Hardware, 370 Copeland St., and Danny's Hardware, 53 Billings Rd., Coupons are available at the City Hall Information Desk, 1305 Hancock St. and the DPW, 55 Sea Street, Monday through Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. You may also call (617) 376-1953, or email your request to: recyclequincy@quincyma.gov, to have stickers mailed.

Drop-off Center
Bring your recyclable materials to the Single Stream Recycling Center in the DPW Yard, 55 Sea St., Monday through Friday 7:30 A.M. to 3 P.M. and Saturdays 7:30 to 2:30 from April through mid-December.

To schedule a pick-up of Appliances, Scrap Metal, TVs and Monitors call 617-376-7556 at least 24 hours before your regular trash pick-up day.

More Information

How Can I Get Rid of...?

Aluminum: Place in your curbside Single Stream recycling container. Also, three Single Stream recycling dumpsters are at the entrance to the rear yard at the DPW, 55 Sea St.

Appliances/White Goods: Call 617-376-7556 to schedule curbside pick-up of stoves, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, dehumidifiers, and water heaters. Call by 3 p.m. the day before your regular trash day for collection on your regular trash day. Or bring to the DPW Yard M-F, 9 am to 3 pm and Saturdays 9 am-12 noon from mid April through mid-December. Or donate to Viet Nam Veterans 800-775-8387.

To have refrigerators and air conditioners removed from inside your home for FREE call Anything Metal Removal Service at 781-385-1404.

Aerosol Cans: Place in your curbside Single Stream recycling container. Also, three Single Stream recycling dumpsters are at the entrance to the rear yard at the DPW, 55 Sea St. We take most empty aerosol cans that did not contain hazardous material.

Asbestos: You must use a licensed asbestos removal contractor to dispose of asbestos. Check the yellow pages for licensed contractors.

Automobiles: Automobiles and other vehicles can be donated to an area charity for a tax deduction. Try Special Olympics, and Habitat for Humanity

Barbecue Grills: Bring to DPW Yard M-F, 9 am to 3 pm and Saturdays 9 am-12 noon from mid April through mid-December. Empty propane tanks are also accepted at the yard.

Batteries: Alkaline batteries manufactured after 1994 can be thrown out with the regular trash. All alkaline batteries manufactured before 1994, including NiCad, button, zinc and lithium batteries should be brought to the DPW Yard, 55 Sea St. Bring to the white Guard Shack. Car and marine batteries can be brought to the DPW Yard. To recycle rechargeable batteries, call (800) 8-BATTERY or visit Call2Recycle.

Bicycles: "Bikes not Bombs," is a local non-profit organization working to promote community development and alternative transportation. Donated bikes are shipped to third world countries and used locally to train young people as bicycle mechanics. Kids can also build/recondition a bike through the Earn-A-Bike program. Part of the program involves the kids participating in community service (617) 442-0004.

Books: You can bring your books to the collection box in DPW Yard. "Hands Across the Water" is a non-profit organization that sends them to schools and libraries that desperately need them. We seek every type and style of book on any topic or subject for all ages. We take virtually every book that is in functional condition: general reading books, paperbacks, hard cover books, fiction, nonfiction, books for adults, books for children, textbooks, books on tape, DVDs.

Building Materials: Quincy residents can dispose of construction and demolition debris at the Semass Braintree Transfer Station M-F, 7 am to 4:30 pm, and Saturdays 7 am to 12 noon for a fee of 10 cents per pound. Call 781-843-6209 for more information.

Residents and contractors can also donate good quality used and surplus building materials to Building Materials Resource Center in Boston. Call (617) 442-8917. For more options and information visit the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection website

Cardboard: Place in your curbside Single Stream recycling container. Also, three Single Stream recycling dumpsters are at the entrance to the rear yard at the DPW, 55 Sea St.

Car Batteries: Car and marine batteries can be brought to the DPW Yard. To recycle rechargeable batteries, call (800) 8-BATTERY or visit Call2Recycle.

Carpet: May be disposed of curbside if cut into 4 ft. lengths, rolled and tied. No more than 5 rolls of carpet at a time. Also accepted at the Semass Braintree Transfer Station. See Building Materials.

Cell Phones: Bring cell phones to the DPW yard to benefit Quincy Veterans Council.

Computers, Keyboards, Printers: Bring all your home and business electronics to the DPW yard to benefit the Quincy Veterans Council.

Construction Debris: Quincy residents can dispose of construction and demolition debris at the Semass Braintree Transfer Station at a fee of 10 cents per pound, M-F, 7 am to 4:30 pm, and Saturdays 7 am to 12 noon. Call 781-843-6209 for more information. Or contact a local disposal company listed in the yellow pages or newspaper.
Post renovation construction material may also be donated at www.bbmc.com or by calling 617-442-2262.

CRTs: Cathode Ray Tubes like televisions and monitors. Bring all your home and business electronics to the DPW yard to benefit the Quincy Veterans Council or call 617-376-7556 by 3 pm the night before your regular trash pick-up day.

Christmas Lights: Recycle Christmas lights at www.christmas-light-source.com or call them at 866-926-4877. All proceeds will be used to purchase books that will be donated to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

Christmas Trees: Collected curbside for 2 weeks following Christmas for recycling. May also be taken to the DPW Yard M-F, 9 am to 3 pm and Saturdays 9 am-12 noon from mid April through mid-December. See our web page on yard waste collections and drop off availability.

Dehumidifiers: See appliances.

Dishwashers: See appliances. Or donate to Viet Nam Veterans 800-775-8387.

Doors: Quincy residents can dispose of construction and demolition debris like doors at the Braintree Transfer Station at a fee of 10 cents per pound, M-F, 7 am to 4:30 pm, and Saturdays 7 am to 12 noon. Call 781-843-6209 for more information. Doors can also be cut into quarters and placed curbside on your regular trash day.

Drugs/Medicine: Our trash is incinerated so most medications can be disposed of curbside. Controlled substances should be crushed and mixed with coffee grinds, kitty litter or sprinkled in the trash. NEVER PUT MEDICATION DOWN THE DRAIN OR TOILET. Call 617-376-7556 with questions. Recycle empty medicine vials.

Dryers: See appliances. Or donate to Viet Nam Veterans 800-775-8387.

Everything: You can give away just about anything on Craigs List or www.Freecycle.org

Electronics: All home, entertainment and business electronics are accepted at the DPW Yard M-F, 9 am to 3 pm and Saturdays 9 am-12 noon from mid April through mid-December. Bring all your home and business electronics to the DPW yard to benefit the Quincy Veterans Council.

File Cabinet: Bring to DPW Yard M-F, 9 am to 3 pm and Saturdays 9 am-12 noon from mid April through mid-December.

Fire Extinguisher: Bring empty fire extinguishers to DPW Yard M-F, 9 am to 3 pm and Saturdays 9 am-12 noon from mid April through mid-December.

Fence: Quincy residents can dispose of construction and demolition debris at the Braintree Transfer Station at a fee of 10 cents per pound, M-F, 7 am to 4:30 pm, and Saturdays 7 am to 12 noon. Call 781-843-6209 for more information.

Furniture: Mattresses, box springs, sofas, chairs, recliners, and lawn furniture may be disposed of curbside.
Several area charities will also accept donated furniture. To donate furniture and other items from your home call Viet Nam Vets at 800-775-8378, Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless (617) 423-9162 x101, Second Time Around toll free (866) 768-3325, St. Vincent DePaul (800) 675-2882, friends of the Homeless (781) 340-1604, Household Goods Recycling Ministry (978) 635-1763, St. Vincent DePaul Society 800-675-2882 or the Salvation Army (617) 542-5420.

Glass Jars: Place in your curbside Single Stream recycling container. Also, three Single Stream recycling dumpsters are at the entrance to the rear yard at the DPW, 55 Sea St.

Grass Cuttings: Collected curbside from April through December. May also be taken to the DPW Yard M-F, 9 am to 3 pm and Saturdays 9 am-12 noon from mid April through mid-December. See our web page on yard waste collections and drop off availability.

Household Goods: Bring items in good condition like clothing, linens, household goods, etc. to the Goodwill, 617-745-4144, www.goodwillmass.org OR Big Brother Big Sister, 800-483-5503, www.bbbsfoundation.org OR Viet Nam Veterans, 800-775-8387, www.clothingdonations.org

Humidifiers: See appliances.

Leaves: Collected curbside from April through December. May also be taken to the DPW Yard M-F, 9 am to 3 pm and Saturdays 9 am-12 noon from mid April through mid-December. See our web page on yard waste collections and drop off availability.

Lawn Mower: Disconnect gas tank and bring to DPW Yard M-F, 9 am to 3 pm and Saturdays 9 am-12 noon from mid April through mid-December. Can also be thrown away in the curbside trash after removing gas tank.

Metal Cans: Place in your curbside Single Stream recycling container. Also, three Single Stream recycling dumpsters are at the entrance to the rear yard at the DPW, 55 Sea St.

Mercury-Containing Products: Bring all Mercury items to the white guard shack at the DPW Yard M-F, 9 am to 3 pm and Saturdays 9 a m -12 noon from mid April through mid-December. Acceptable products include thermostats, switches, thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, barometers, fluorescent bulbs and energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

Microwave Ovens: May be placed curbside for regular trash pick-up.

Metal: Large metal items like a desk, wood stove, exercise equipment, bed frame or file cabinet may be taken to the DPW Yard M-F, 9 am to 3 pm and Saturdays 9 am-12 noon from mid April through mid-December.

Office Furniture: Call Boston Restore at 617-288-8400. Also, Quincy residents can dispose of office furniture at the Semass Braintree Transfer Station at a fee of 10 cents per pound, M-F, 7 am to 4:30 pm, and Saturdays 7 am to 12 noon. Call 781-843-6209 for more information.

Paint, Latex: For small amounts, leave the lid off until dry. For larger amounts, mix with sand, kitty litter or speed dry and pour into shallow cardboard boxes lined with a trash bag to dry. Leave lids off and place in open cardboard box. Do not place pails in plastic bags. Dispose of dry paint in trash.
Donate left over latex paint to The Paint Exchange, 767 Country Way, Scituate.
Oil based paint will not be accepted curbside, but may be taken to the Clean Harbors in Braintree. Also will be accepted in June and October during Quincy's Household Hazardous Waste collection day. See DPW web page for dates.

Paper: Place in your curbside Single Stream recycling container. Also, three Single Stream recycling dumpsters are at the entrance to the rear yard at the DPW, 55 Sea St. We take all colored paper, paperboard, newspapers, magazines, catalogs, brochures, telephone books, all types of envelopes, cardboard, paper bags, (paper clips, staples and clasps OK.) We cannot take paper contaminated by food, or treated for wet strength like paper towels, napkins or toilet paper. No wax paper, potato chip bags or pizza boxes.

Shredders-- http://www.document-shredding.org

Paperback Books: Place in your curbside Single Stream recycling container. Also, three Single Stream recycling dumpsters are at the entrance to the rear yard at the DPW, 55 Sea St.

Plastic Bags: Plastic bag with the recycling triangles on it may be taken to local grocery stores for recycling, including Stop and Shop on Southern Artery and Newport Ave.

Plastic Bottles: Place in your curbside Single Stream recycling container. Also, three Single Stream recycling dumpsters are at the entrance to the rear yard at the DPW, 55 Sea St. We take all plastic bottles, jugs and containers numbered 1-7 including soda, juice and water bottles, milk and juice jugs, clean food containers like yogurt and butter containers, detergent jugs and shampoo bottles.

Prescription Medicine: Quincy's trash is incinerated so most medications can be disposed of curbside. Controlled substances should be crushed and mixed with coffee grinds, kitty litter or sprinkled in the trash. NEVER PUT MEDICATION DOWN THE DRAIN OR TOILET. Recycle empty medicine vials. Call 617-376-7556 with questions.

Propane Tanks: Empty only. Bring empty fire extinguishers to DPW Yard M-F, 9 am to 3 pm and Saturdays 9 am-12 noon from mid April through mid-December.

Refrigerators: See appliances. Or donate to Viet Nam Veterans 800-775-8387.

To have refrigerators or air conditioners removed from your home for FREE call Anything Metal Removal Service at 781-385-1404.

Rims: May be taken to the DPW Yard M-F, 9 am to 3 pm and Saturdays 9 am-12 noon from mid April through mid-December.

Rubber Bands: The United States Post Office reuses rubber bands. Leave them out for your mail carrier, take to the Post Office, or place in a bag in a blue mailbox.

Shoes: www.Soles4Souls.org facilitates the donations of shoes, which are used to aid the hurting worldwide. Shoe companies, retailers, and individuals can donate footwear (both new and used). Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS, and donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.

Sink: A sink must be disposed of at the Semass Braintree Transfer Station at a fee of 10 cents per pound, M-F, 7 am to 4:30 pm, and Saturdays 7 am to 12 noon. Call 781-843-6209 for more information.

Smoke Detectors: According to the MA DEP smoke detectors may be disposed of through curbside trash collection (without the batteries and with a 3-triangle recycling symbol) First Alert Corporation will take back any smoke detector made in Aurora, IL. Send to: First Alert, Radioactive Waste Disposal, 780 McClure Road, Aurora, IL 60504-2495.

Sneakers: Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe program collects old sneakers of any brand. This program grinds up the shoes and uses them in the surfacing of playgrounds and athletic courts. See the website for details on where you can drop off or mail your old sneakers. Also visit www.soles4souls.org or www.giveshoes.org.

Snow blower: You must call 617-376-7556 by 3 pm the night before your regular trash pick-up day. Remove the gas tank then place curbside on your regular trash day. Snow blowers may also be taken to the DPW Yard M-F, 9 am to 3 pm and Saturdays 9 am-12 noon from mid April through mid-December.

Stoves: See appliances. Or donate to Viet Nam Veterans 800-775-8387.

Styrofoam Peanuts: Check out www.ehow.com or bring to the UPS store at 405 Waltham St. for reuse (781) 861-7770.

Television: See CRTs. Also go to http://www.bestbuy.com and type recycle into the search box.

Thermometer: See Mercury-Containing Products.

Thermostats: See Mercury-Containing Products.

Tires: Please bring to a service station or tire store for reclamation. Most businesses will charge a small fee.

Toilet: Do not place curbside. A-1 New & Used Plumbing and Heating Supplies in Somerville will accept toilets as long as they are not chipped, cracked or broken (617) 625-6140.
Quincy residents can dispose of construction and demolition debris at the Braintree Transfer Station at a fee of 10 cents per pound, M-F, 7 am to 4:30 pm, and Saturdays 7 am to 12 noon. Call 781-843-6209 for more information.

Water Heaters: See appliances.

Wood: Quincy residents may dispose of small amounts wood, bundled and tied for curbside collection on their regular trash day. Wood or limbs may only be 1-3 inches in diameter and less than 3 feet long. They must be bundled and tied. Quincy residents can also dispose of construction and demolition debris at the Braintree Transfer Station at a fee of 10 cents per pound, M-F, 7 am to 4:30 pm, and Saturdays 7 am to 12 noon. Call 781-843-6209 for more information.

Wood Stove: May be taken to the DPW Yard M-F, 9 am to 3 pm and Saturdays 9 am-12 noon from mid April through mid-December.

Yardwaste: Collected curbside from April through December. May also be taken to the DPW Yard M-F, 9 am to 3 pm and Saturdays 9 am-12 noon from mid April through mid-December. See our web page on yard waste collections and drop off availability.

For a comprehensive list of recyclable items sorted by zip code, contact Earth 911, a public/private partnership devoted to making recycling easier and more accessible for all. Call 1-800-CLEANUP or go to www.earth911.org. Also check out http://www.charitynavigator.org.