Reading to host three more community recycling drop-off events following overwhelming demand
(3-4 minute read)
The Town of Reading is offering residents more opportunities to recycle specific household items with three upcoming community recycling drop-off events. These events, held at the Department of Public Works (DPW) Yard at 75 Newcrossing Road, aim to make it easier for residents to responsibly dispose of items that aren’t typically collected curbside.
Recap of last weekend’s event
On Saturday, May 17, the Town hosted a rigid plastic and shredded materials disposal event at the DPW yard. It quickly became clear that the demand for this event had been underestimated. Unfortunately, some residents who planned to dispose of their old recycling and trash bins and other materials were turned away once the site reached full recycling capacity.
The Town sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience and frustration caused. While the intent was to provide a seamless, stress-free experience, the overwhelming turnout exceeded expectations. DPW staff had prepared by doubling the number of large dumpsters typically allocated for this type of event, but all were completely full by 10:00 am.
More than 600 residents were serviced by 1:15 pm, when the event had ended. However, the line had to be cut off at 12:30 pm, 30 minutes earlier than expected, due to capacity limits.
In response, the Town is planning for two more rigid plastic events and a separate shredding disposal event before the end of June, with enhancements to better manage traffic flow and increase staffing to reduce wait times. Please stay tuned for further details.
Upcoming drop-off event - Saturday, May 31
The next drop-off event is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm and will focus exclusively on:
Paper shredding (limit one box per household)
Electronics (including small appliances and electronic devices)
Styrofoam (must be clean and dry)
NO rigid plastics
NO old trash or recycling barrels
Location: DPW Yard, 75 Newcrossing Road
Please do not block traffic and follow all instructions from police officers and DPW staff. If the line reaches the Stop & Shop entrance, the estimated wait time is 45-60 minutes.
June drop-off dates for rigid plastics and barrels
Two additional drop-off events are scheduled for:
June 7
June 21
These dates will focus exclusively on rigid plastics and old trash and recycling barrels. More information will be shared next Monday.
Daily recycling drop-off options
Residents can also use the dumpsters at the DPW yard during weekdays from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday through Friday, to dispose of extra bins, rigid plastic, and other accepted materials.
Special curbside collection for old carts
Reading will offer curbside collection of old trash and recycling carts on five Saturdays in July and August. This service is free of charge and follows the trash route schedule:
July 12 - Monday trash route
July 19 - Tuesday trash route
July 26 - Wednesday trash route
August 2 - Thursday trash route
August 9 - Friday trash route
The Town of Reading thanks all residents for their continued commitment to recycling and sustainability. Your participation in these events plays a key role in keeping our community clean and environmentally responsible.
Flyer by the Town of Reading.
