With Single Stream Recycling, residents will no longer have to separate their recyclables. Paper, cardboard, plastic containers, metal cans, and glass bottles and jars can all be placed in the same container. It's a much simpler process that makes recycling more convenient and encourages greater participation.

Through the Food Scrap Composting program, residents can deposit the majority of their food waste in a designated collection bin at the CRCC. Town staff will transport the material to Earth Care Farm, a leading provider of responsible compost located right here in Charlestown.

This program is the result of months of collaboration across the Town’s Climate Resiliency Commission, the Department of Public Works, and my office. The Climate Resiliency Commission’s volunteer members brought in experts from the RI Food Policy Council, arranged a tour of Earth Care Farm’s facility, and evaluated programs from other communities. We received full support from the Town Council to proceed with the model we thought worked best for our community, and we’ll evaluate and refine the program as it grows.

If you already use the CRCC, I hope you find that these two new programs make it easier for you to recycle more and reduce waste. If you would like to learn more about the CRCC, including hours, rules and regulations, and usage fees, visit https://charlestownri.gov/publicworks .