Did you know?

That even in today’s economic climate, recycling can save us money in Monroe?   It’s true!   Monroe Town pays $100+ per ton to send our garbage to a landfill.    Any amount of trash that is reduced means less to a landfill, and less cost to everyone.    Approximately 10% of the town's tax bill is for our garbage pick up and landfill.  

In October 2008, the children of Monroe School organized a petition drive, asking the town to work on a recycling program.   They collected over 40 signatures at “Green Day” and had their picture on the front page of the Bridge Weekly, too.   Their petition was presented at town budget hearings, and Selectmen have agreed to budget the $500 requested by the children, as a fund for work to start a recycling program.   

In October 2009, two local trash haulers were asked for their proposals about how Monroe could best start a recycling program.    Both haulers responded, and the Selectmen reviewed their proposals.   After some back and forth with the haulers, a more concrete proposal began to take shape.  In the interim, a warrant article was written (and sufficient signatures collected) for inclusion in Town Meeting 2010.    The wording of the warrant article was deliberately general (or vague, depending on your point of view!), to allow time to refine the final proposal.    We will amend the article at Town Meeting, and ask the town to vote on a recycling program then.      

What can you do now?

If you are on your way for work or to shop in Littleton, Woodsville, Wells River, etc., there are already operations that accept our recyclables.    Combining trips means you’re not going out of your way, so there is minimal cost involved.    And remember, reducing our trash saves the town tax dollars.    “Dam” or no Dam, we all still pay for part of our trash pick-up in our taxes!       

Littleton operates a recycling center at Mount Eustis Rd, Littleton.   Their hours are:  

Tuesday & Thursday                 Noon – 4 pm  
Wednesday                              Noon – 6 pm
Friday & Saturday                     8 am – 4 pm

Littleton requires plastics to be sorted by type (the number, 1-6, found on most containers), and glass to be sorted by color.   

East Rygate operates a volunteer-staffed center on School Road (from Rt. 5, turn left onto Papermill Drive, then right onto School Road.)        Their hours are:  

Saturday                                   8 am – 11 am

At Ryegate, there is less pre-sorting required.   All plastics go together.   All colors of glass go together.    And, all newspaper, junk mail, magazines, etc. go together.   They also take plastic grocery bags, such as those from Wal-Mart or Shaw’s.     

      Saint Johnsbury operates a recycling center which takes mixed recyclables for just 50 cents per 30 gallon bag.    Just like East Ryegate, there is no pre-

      sorting required.    See the "Resources" page for a flyer from the station.    They are on High Street, and their hours are:    

Monday-Thursday                        7 am - 4 pm

Friday & Saturday                       7 am - Noon

      Lebanon operates a recycling center at 370 Plainfield Rd, West Lebanon. We know they're not 'down the road', but if you're going shopping, take your   

      recycling along!   They are open Mon-Fri 8.30am to 5pm and Saturday from 8.30am to 2pm. For more information click here 

For more information, or to make suggestions/get involved, please contact Bryan Turnbull or Eileen Brown at 638-3002, or by email at turnbbry@gmail.com