October 2023

GREEN CART CHRONICLE

Fall Special Events Edition

An Update from the City of Newton DPW
Sustainable Materials Management Division

Visit our Website

Fall is a busy time for the SMM Division...

Mark your calendar!

Keep our Lakes, Ponds and Rivers Clean - Compost or

Bag your Leaves!


Please bag, mulch or compost your leaves and do not rake leaves into the street (unless they are concurrently being collected by a landscaper) and never push them into storm drains. Leaves blocking storm drains can cause flooding and create safety concerns for motorists and pedestrians. Residents are encouraged to remove leaves from storm drains, if feasible; or you may call Customer Service (617) 796-1000 (M-F 8:30 am – 5:00 pm) to request a drain be cleared. 


Leaves are an important part of the natural environment. Left on the land, leaves decompose, feeding your plants, helping butterflies and birds, and enriching your soil. But when large amounts of leaves are washed off our lawns, down our driveways, into storm drains and into our waterbodies, they release phosphorus and nitrogen into our water, contributing to water pollution.


The last week of yard waste collection is December 11th. This collection schedule is weather dependent, meaning if it snows heavily, the service could be postponed or cancelled. It's our busiest time of the year. Some collection delays may happen, please keep yard waste at the curb. We appreciate your patience. 


Reminder, Newton residents are welcome to drop-off yard waste at the Resource Recovery Center located at 115 Rumford Ave. Click here for more details.


Here's a green tip: help pollinators and reduce weeds; place fallen or mulched leaves in your garden bed. Learn more about the benefits here.


Help protect our yard waste collection staff!

  • All bags/barrels must be less than 50 gallons or 50 pounds
  • Branches must not stick out of the bag/barrel unsafely
  • Bags/barrels not in compliance will be rejected

Don't Trash it, Smash it!

4th Annual Newton Pumpkin Smash


Saturday, November 4, 1pm - 4pm

(Rain date: Nov. 5)


Newton City Hall War Memorial Circle

1000 Commonwealth Ave.

Green your Halloween at Newton's Pumpkin Smash. What will you do with your pumpkin after Halloween? You could put it in with your yard waste, but how much more fun would it be to smash it? This family friendly event will be focused on options to manage food waste in Newton. All smashed pumpkins will be composted. By composting your pumpkin, you are reducing waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating a valuable amendment for our soils.  


Stop by to smash your pumpkin, visit touch-a-truck, donate excess candy or costumes, and grab a bite from a local food truck (or get a drink from the MWRA water truck) all while learning about managing your food waste and composting!


Don't forget to remove any candles or decorations from your pumpkin and to bring any excess candy, and costumes. Donated costumes will be available to take home at our costume "swap"!


It's going to be a smashing good time!

Pre-registration for the event is encouraged.

Share this event with your neighbors!

Paper Shredding &

Medication Take-back


Saturday, November 18

Call for appointment

(617) 796-1000


Newton's Resource Recovery Center

115 Rumford Ave.


Click here for more details.

The Fix-it Clinic is Back!


Saturday, November 18

10am-1pm

Reserve a timeslot with a Repair Coach.


Newton Free Library

330 Homer St.

Do you have a broken item in your home that you know you could fix with the right guidance? Fix-It Clinics empower folks to fix for themselves and are totally free! Bring in a broken household item and a Repair Coach will help guide you through diagnosing and repair. 


Use the link provided above to reserve a 30-minute timeslot based on the category of broken item. Categories will include small electronics repair, sewing and textiles, lamp repair and rewiring, and more!


To Volunteer as a Repair Coach or general helper, please fill out this survey.


Questions? See our FAQs or email our event coordinator. 


This event is hosted by Newton's Sustainable Materials Management Division and Newton's Recycling Committee.

Swap Shop Closed for the Season


Thanks for a great season, see you again in Spring 2024!


Newton's Resource Recovery Center

115 Rumford Ave.


Click here for more details about how the Swap Shop works and what items they accept.

Wondering How to

Get Rid of Something?


The RECYCLE RIGHT NEWTON app Empowers you to

  • Find out what is recyclable and where it should go
  • Set reminders
  • Get a schedule and updates
  • Test your recycling skills with a fun video game

Download the free app today in the App Store or Google Play.



No smartphone? No problem.

Use the website version.

Recycling at the Resource Recovery Center

Come on down and see us! First, check this updated list here of what we accept.

All items are free to recycle except TV's/monitors and mattresses/box springs.


Winter hours starting Nov. 1: Monday-Friday 7:00am-2:30pm, Saturday 9:00am-1:00pm

What can I recycle at the RRC?


We accept more than 25 categories of recyclable items. Here are some of the most popular items we accept all year round:

  1. Cardboard and Styrofoam
  2. Clothing/shoes/linens
  3. Food scraps (also called compost)
  4. Rechargeable batteries
  5. Scrap metal, metal appliances, electronics


Note: WE DO NOT ACCEPT TRASH or PLASTIC BAGS.


Plastic bags/wrap/air pillows should go in the trash OR click here to find out how to recycle them at a retailer or grocery store.

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how you can get involved in Newton's climate actions and climate plan.



City of Newton
 Department of Public Works
 Sustainable Materials Management Division
1000 Commonwealth Ave
Newton, MA 02459
617-796-1000
recycling@newtonma.gov