If you do not find an item on the list, or you have additional questions, contact Amherst’s Recycling Coordinator or visit the Transfer Station.

Adhesives - Non-toxic household adhesives such as children’s craft glues may be disposed of in your regular trash. In most cases disposal information can be found on the adhesive container’s label.  If you are unsure, or the adhesive contains toxic materials, it should be taken to the Transfer Station during one of the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day events.

Aerosol cans - Most household aerosol cans may be disposed of in your regular trash.  Those containing toxic materials such as paint or insecticide should be taken to the Transfer Station during a Household Hazardous Waste event. 

Air Conditioners - Window air conditioners are accepted at the Transfer Station.  Fees apply.

Aluminum - Aluminum cans and aluminum scrap metal are accepted at the Transfer Station.  Fees may apply for scrap.

Ammonia – Ammonia and ammonia products are accepted annually during Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.

Ammunition - Please contact the Recycling Coordinator at the Department of Public Works.

Antifreeze - Antifreeze and other automobile fluids are accepted during Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days.

Appliances - Major household appliances (also know as “white goods”) are accepted at the Transfer Station.  A disposal fee applies. 

Art/Hobby paint - Paint is accepted at the Transfer Station during the spring and summer months (see Paint Reuse & Collection).

Asbestos - Please contact the Recycling Coordinator at the Department of Public Works.

Asphalt – The Transfer Station accepts asphalt.  A fee (based on weight) applies. 

TOP

Automobiles - Many charities are willing to take your automobiles and some will remove them from your property at no charge.  Disposing of your unwanted auto in this fashion allows you to claim it as a tax deduction. 

Batteries, auto - Automotive batteries contain sulfuric acid and should be handled promptly and properly.  Most service stations will accept old auto batteries, especially if you’ve purchased a new one from them.  The Transfer Station will accept auto batteries at no charge during normal hours of operation. 

Batteries, button & lithium – Lithium, and small button-shaped batteries used in hearing aides, watches, cameras, calculators, and paging devices contain toxic metals and should NOT be thrown in household trash.  The Transfer Station accepts these batteries at no charge.  

Batteries, household (alkaline) - As of 1999, most domestically produced household batteries (e.g Duracell) no longer contain mercury.  At this time the Transfer Station does not collect alkaline batteries.  9-volt, D, C, AAA, and AA batteries may be disposed of in your normal household trash.  

Batteries, rechargeable - Rechargeable batteries, such as those used for cellular phones, appliances, power tools, and camcorders contain toxic metals and should NOT be thrown in household trash.  Many Radio Shack stores and national hardware chains have free recycling programs for rechargeable batteries.  The Transfer Station also accepts rechargeable batteries at no charge.  

Books - The Book Shed at the Transfer Station accepts unwanted books in good condition for re-use by other residents.  Paperback books in poor condition can be recycled.  Other ways to recycle books include:

·          Donate them to the Spring League of Women Voters Book Sale.  Collection boxes can usually be found in the Town Libraries beginning in March and April.

·          Donate them to the Reader to Reader Book Program, a non-profit organization founded by Amherst resident Dave Mazor that distributes used books nationally and internationally to school libraries.  In some situations pick-ups can be arranged at no charge.  Call (413) 256-8595 or visit http://www.readertoreader.org.  

·          Donate them to Community Book Solutions, a non-profit organization collects used books.  In some situation they may pick up your books at not charge.  For more information call (978) 663-0300 or send an email to .

·          Visit www.adoptalibrary.org to find other national and international donation opportunities to libraries and schools.

·          Sell them to a local used bookstore or via an on-line used bookseller (e.g. Amazon).

TOP

Bottles - Many bottles are accepted as recyclable material if they are smaller than 2 gallons in size and have not contained toxic material. 

Box Springs – Box springs are accepted at the Transfer Station (fees apply).

Bricks - The Transfer Station accepts bricks and brick debris.  A fee (based on weight) applies. 

Brush – Debris from trees, shrubs, and bushes, 12 inches or less in diameter and less than four feet in length are accepted at the Transfer Station.  Fees apply.

Building/Remodeling Materials - The ReStore in Springfield accepts donations of unwanted, quality home improvement materials (e.g. doors, cabinets, plumbing, lighting, electrical) and sells them to the public at low prices. 

Cabinets – Wood cabinets in good condition are accepted at the ReStore for reuse.  They are also accepted at the Transfer Station (fees apply).

Cans - Most steel, tin, and aluminum cans are accepted as recyclable material at the Transfer Station if they are smaller than 2 gallons in size and have not contained toxic material. 

Cardboard - Cardboard is accepted at the Transfer Station. 

Cell Phones - Cell phones can contain lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and other toxic substances, which could find their way into the air or water supply if disposed of in the trash.  Fortunately they can be both recycled and re-used.  At a market price of over two dollars a phone, many non-profit organizations collect them as a fundraising activity.  Local (known) collection locations include the Amherst Senior Center (in Bangs Center) and the Transfer Station (where they are collected on behalf of a local school). 

Christmas Trees - The Town coordinates a Christmas tree pick-up in early January for residents with contracted haulers, or you may bring trees to the Transfer Station at no charge. Wreaths should be disposed of with regular trash due to contamination from metal and other intertwined objects unless they can be dismantled and disposed of as brush (a fee may apply).

Chlorine Bleach – Chlorine products are accepted twice annually during Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.

Clothing - A Salvation Army collection bin is located at the Transfer Station.  Clothing may be donated directly to:  The Amherst Survival Center at 1200 N. Pleasant Street in North Amherst (413-259-1900); The Goodwill Store, 37 Main Street in Northampton (413-586-4173); the Salvation Army on Route 9 (310 Russell Road) in Hadley (413-582-0403).  Local religious institutions will often accept clothing donations in anticipation of their fundraising tag sales.  Call first for timing and details.

Coat Hangers - Many local dry cleaners will accept wire hangers.  They can also be donated to charitable clothing stores. 

TOP

Computers & Computer Equipment - The Transfer Station accepts keyboards, monitors, printers, scanners, and CPUs.  Various toxic materials, such as lead, must be removed before the units can be put into the landfill, so fees apply.  If your computer still works, there are stores in our area that will either receive them free of charge or will actually pay you for your older model.  Listed below are a few companies that deal in this trade.  Be sure to remove confidential information from the hard drive before donation. 

Concrete - The Transfer Station accepts concrete chunks, although a fee (based on weight) applies. 

Construction and Demolition Debris – Household construction items (e.g. cabinetry, and plumbing/lighting fixtures) in good working condition can be brought to the ReStore for reuse.  Waste construction and demolition debris is accepted at the Transfer Station during normal hours of operation. A fee (based on weight) applies, and wood must be cut into lengths no longer than 4 feet. 

Disinfectants - Disinfectants are accepted annually during Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.

Doors – Doors in good working condition can be brought to the ReStore for reuse.  Doors are also accepted at the Transfer Station.  Fees apply.

Drain Cleaners - Drain cleaners are accepted annually during Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.

Drugs - see medication.

Electronics - Most electronics are accepted at the Transfer Station.  Fees apply.

Engine Degreasers - Engine degreasers are accepted annually during Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.

Epoxy - See Adhesives.

Explosives - Please contact the Recycling Coordinator at the Department of Public Works.

Eyeglasses – Many local opticians collect eyeglasses for reuse. After cleaning, repair, and correction measurement, collected eyeglasses are cataloged in a database and matched to people in need. 

Fertilizers - Fertilizers are accepted annually during Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.

Flea Killers - Flea killer products are accepted annually during Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.

Fluorescent Bulbs - Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury gas and in some cases liquid mercury, an extremely toxic material.  Energy saving household light bulbs with the “Energy Star” certification also fall under this category.  Handle carefully to avoid breakage.  The Transfer Station accepts fluorescent bulbs for a small fee per bulb.

Freezers – See Refrigerators.

TOP

Furniture - Broken, damaged, and stained furniture is accepted at the Transfer Station during normal hours of operation.  Fees will apply.  Non-upholstered furniture in good condition may be left at the “Take it or Leave it” shed at the Transfer Station. 

Donations of furniture in good condition are accepted by several local organizations (listed below).  Please contact the organization for more information before delivering the furniture.

·          The Amherst Survival Center matches client furniture needs with furniture offers throughout the year.   The Center also coordinates a bi-annual “Trash to Treasures” fundraising event.  Used furniture in good condition is collected and sold inexpensively to the public at a weekend event on the Town Common.  Call the Amherst Survival Center at (413)-549-3968 details.

·          Goodwill Industries (on Route 9 in Northampton, across from the Post Office) 413-586-4173

·          Salvation Army (on Route 9 in Hadley, across from Ace Hardware) 413-582-0403

·          Depending on the condition and quality of your furniture you may also be able to sell it to a consignment or furniture store.  Look in the phone book Yellow Pages under “Furniture stores-Used.”

Furniture Polish - Furniture polish is accepted annually during Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day. 

Glass - Most glass food and beverage bottles and jars smaller than 2 gallons in size may be recycled.  The general rule is that the red bin (for mixed containers) should not contain glass bottles in any color other than clear, brown, and green.  The Transfer Station accepts recyclable glass at no charge.

Glass in colors other than green, brown, and clear, and household glass items, such as drinking and eye glasses, vases, medicine bottles, and baking dishes, may be placed in your regular household trash.  Bulky glass items, such as auto and window glass, may be taken to the Transfer Station as construction debris.  A disposal fee will apply.

Grass Clippings – see Leaves.

Herbicide - Herbicides are accepted annually during Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days

Hypodermic Needles - Residents of Amherst, Pelham and Shutesbury may purchase Sharps containers at the Transfer Station or the Amherst Health Department (by appointment).  The price includes disposal by a licensed biohazardous waste transporter.  A Transfer Station Vehicle Sticker is not required to participate in this program. 

Ink Cartridges (computer) - Printer ink cartridges are reused or recycled by manufacturers and local businesses.  Some organizations will pay a small amount for each cartridge.  Local schools often collect them as a fundraising activity, or you can take them to the Transfer Station for recycling (proceeds benefit an area school).

Insecticides - Insecticides are accepted during Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.

Junk Mail - Most junk mail can be recycled along with newspapers and office paper. 

Kerosene - Kerosene is accepted annually during Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.

Leaves – Leaves and grass clippings are accepted at the Transfer Station at no charge. 

Lighting Fixtures - Lighting fixtures in good working condition can be brought to the ReStore for reuse.  They are also accepted at the Transfer Station (fees apply).

TOP

Magazines and Catalogs - Most soft cover magazines and catalogs can be included with newspaper recycling.  Please do not place them in the Take It or Leave It area.

Mattresses - Mattresses are accepted at the Transfer Station (fees apply).

Medical/Infectious waste – See Hypodermic Needles.  For questions about other medical or infectious waste, please contact the Health Department or the Recycling Coordinator at the Department of Public Works.

Medication - Unwanted medications should be carefully handled to avoid accidental ingestion and water contamination.  Do NOT flush medications down toilets or sinks. 

Metal Polish - Metal polishes are accepted annually during Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.

Moth Balls - Moth balls are accepted annually during Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.

Motor Oil and Filters - Motor oil is accepted at the Transfer Station, and used oil filters are accepted annually during Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.

Needles, Syringes, and other “Sharps” – See Hypodermic Needles.

Newspapers – Clean newspapers, their inserts, and other paper recyclables are accepted at the Transfer Station. 

TOP

Paints and Stains - Lead paint is accepted annually during Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.  During the Spring and Summer months (typically May-September), the Transfer Station accepts up to 10 gallons of oil and latex paint per day from residents of Amherst, Pelham, and Shutesbury.  A Vehicle Sticker is not required, but a fee will be charged for each equivalent gallon.  Paint thinners and aerosol paint cans that are not empty are also accepted (empty aerosol paint cans may be disposed of in the trash). 

Other information about paint:

·          Do NOT throw wet paint of any kind into the trash, or pour it on the ground, or down the drain.

·          Small amounts of latex paint can be safely disposed of by mixing it with cat litter, “Speedy-Dri” or some other absorbent material and allowing it to dry completely.

·          Keep paint in its original container, clearly labeled for contents and color.  (please do not consolidate or mix paints)

·          Paint known to be lead-based should be disposed of on HHW Collection Day

·          Empty and completely dry paint cans (and those containing completely dry, solidified latex paint) may be disposed of in your trash (please notify your waste hauler in advance).

·          Empty paint cans that have been scraped, brushed, or rinsed clean may also be recycled as scrap metal.

Paper - Most office paper, newspaper, junk mail, catalogs, and magazines can be recycled, and are accepted at the Transfer Station.

PCBs/Transformers - The Transfer Station accepts ballasts from fluorescent lights during normal hours of operation.  Ballasts clearly labeled with “No PCBs” may be discarded as scrap metal.  For other types of transformers, please contact the Recycling Coordinator at the Department of Public Works.

Plastic Containers - Many plastic containers can be recycled.  The general guideline is that any plastic bottle, tub, or jar less than 2 gallons in size and which did not contain toxic material is acceptable for mixed container recycling.  Plastic containers of a two gallon or larger size may be thrown away in household trash, although at a certain size threshold, you may have to pay your contracted waste hauler a fee (call ahead).  Bulky/large plastic items can also be taken to the Transfer Station for disposal (disposal fees apply).

TOP

Plastic Furniture - At this time, plastic furniture is not recyclable.  If the item is unbroken and undamaged, you may leave it in the Take It or Leave It shed.  If it is in poor condition and will not fit in your normal waste bin/bag, your waste hauler may be willing to pick it up for a fee (call ahead).  Alternatively you can take items to the Transfer Station (fees will apply).

Plastic Shopping Bags - The Transfer Station does not accept plastic shopping bags.  Stop and Shop and Whole Foods (both located in Hadley) accept plastic shopping bags for recycling.  Ask for bin location at the Customer Service Desk. 

Pesticides - Pesticides are accepted annually during Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.  Occasional government subsidized pesticide collections also occur.  Contact the Recycling Coordinator to find if there is a collection in your area in the near future.

Photographic Chemicals - Photographic chemicals are accepted annually during Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.

Polyurethane and other floor & deck finishes - Polyurethane and other floor & deck finishes are accepted at the Transfer Station during the Spring and Summer months.

Pool Chemicals - Pool chemicals are accepted annually during Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.

Printer Cartridges - see Ink Cartridges

Propane Tanks - Propane tanks are refillable at area businesses.  A neighbor or friend may be interested in taking your tank as a spare if it is in working condition. The Transfer Station accepts them for a small fee, and propane vendors will often accept empty tanks as well.

Radioactive Material - Please contact the Recycling Coordinator at the Department of Public Works.

Refrigerators – Refrigerators and freezers are accepted at the Transfer Station.  Please remove the door(s) and all contents prior to disposal.

Rodent Killers - Rodent killers are accepted annually during Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.

Root Killers - Root killing chemicals are accepted annually during Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.

Scrap Metal - Scrap metal is accepted at the Transfer Station.  Disposal fees apply

Septic Tank Cleaners - Septic Tank Cleaning chemicals are accepted annually during Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days.

Sinks – Porcelain plumbing fixtures in good working condition can be brought to the ReStore for reuse.  They are also accepted at the Transfer Station (fees apply).

Smoke Detectors - Certain smoke detectors contain a radioactive sensing devise, but the radioactivity is so low it is considered harmless.  They can be disposed of in your household trash.

Spot Removers/Solvents - Spot removers and solvents are accepted annually during Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.

Street Sand – Small amounts of residual sand from street safety efforts in the winter are accepted at the Transfer Station at no charge.  A Vehicle Sticker is not required.  Fees apply for larger amounts of street sand. 

TOP

Styrofoam (expanded polystyrene) - The Transfer Station is conducting a pilot program collecting and distributing Styrofoam peanuts.  This is the only form of Styrofoam accepted for reuse.  At this time all other forms of Styrofoam must be disposed of with household garbage.  Clean, Styrofoam packing “peanuts” may also be brought to mail center stores (e.g. The Postal Connection) in plastic bags (no boxes please).   For more information concerning the recycling of Styrofoam peanuts contact the Plastic Loose Fill Council at (800) 282-2214 or www.loosefillpackaging.com

There are a number of organizations that may be willing to accept molded chunks of Styrofoam :

Television Sets - Television sets contain lead and other toxic materials, especially the cathode ray tube variety (bulky, heavy, non-flat screen variety).  They have been banned from disposal in household trash.  The Transfer Station accepts them, and due to the processing required to remove the toxic material, fees apply. 

Thermometers & Thermostats - Thermometers and thermostats contain mercury and must not be disposed of in household trash.  Both the Transfer Station and the Health Department (Bangs Center) accept them at no charge.

Tires - Vehicle tires and rims are accepted at the Transfer Station.  A fee will apply. 

Toilets – See Sinks.

Toilet Bowl Cleaners - Toilet bowl cleaners are accepted annually during Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.

Toys - At this time, plastic toys are not recyclable.  If an item is clean and not broken or damaged, you may leave it in the Take It or Leave It shed.  If it is in poor condition and will not fit in your normal waste bin/bag, your waste hauler may be willing to pick it up for a fee (call ahead).  Alternatively you can take items to the Transfer Station (fees will apply) for disposal.

Varnishes - Varnishes are accepted at the Transfer Station during the Spring and Summer months. 

White Goods - “White goods” is the industry name for major household appliances.  See Appliances.  

Weed Killers - See Herbicides.

Wire Hangers - Wire hangers are accepted by many dry cleaners in the region.  If you have a large quantity they are also accepted at the Transfer Station as scrap metal (fees may apply).

Wood – While most types of wood are accepted at the Transfer Station, different fees apply for “clean wood” (free of paint, stain, glue, and pressure-treatment) and other wood (e.g. painted or and pressure-treated wood or pressboard).  Wood must be cut into pieces no longer than four feet.

Wood Preservatives - Wood preservatives are accepted annually during Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.

TOP

Yard Waste – See Leaves, Grass Clippings, and Brush.  Click here for information about curbside leaf collection.