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This summer, Mansfield is rolling out a new Recycle Smart campaign designed to help residents recycle more effectively

Mansfield Launches “Recycle Smart” Campaign to Improve Summer Recycling Habits

The program focuses on reducing waste contamination and making it easier for everyone in town to understand what should and shouldn't go into their bins.
 |  Regional Rundown  |  Public Safety

This summer, Mansfield is rolling out a new Recycle Smart campaign designed to help residents recycle more effectively. The program focuses on reducing waste contamination and making it easier for everyone in town to understand what should and shouldn't go into their bins.

The campaign is part of a larger push supported by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to improve recycling efforts across the state. In Mansfield, it’s being shared through town announcements, updated recycling guides, and regular reminders online and at local events.

Helping Residents Recycle the Right Way

The Recycle Smart campaign offers practical tips that clear up common misconceptions about recycling. Many people unknowingly toss in things like greasy pizza boxes, plastic bags, or garden hoses. These items don’t belong in curbside recycling and can actually lead to entire loads being rejected.

The campaign aims to:

  • Cut down on recycling contamination

  • Encourage correct sorting habits

  • Support cleaner and more sustainable waste systems

Why It Matters to the Community

When people recycle correctly, the town saves money on waste processing and keeps recyclable materials out of the landfill. Contamination from non-recyclables can damage recycling machinery and waste valuable resources.

Mansfield officials are focusing their efforts this summer, a time when recycling typically increases due to outdoor gatherings, takeout meals, and summer cleanups.

How to Get Involved

Residents can access the Recycle Smart guidelines on the town’s website. The guide highlights common mistakes and offers simple instructions for better recycling at home.

Some of the most important reminders include:

  • Do not place plastic bags in the bin

  • Avoid recycling food-soiled containers

  • Keep items clean and dry

  • Never include items like string lights, wires, or hangers

If you’re unsure about an item, the Recycle Smart MA lookup tool is available to help you make the right choice.

A Cleaner Future Starts at Home

Mansfield’s Recycle Smart campaign is about more than rules. It’s about building a cleaner, more sustainable community together. With support from residents, the town hopes to see real improvements in the way waste is handled and to set an example for other communities.

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