The mission of the Brewster Recycling Commission is to develop programs that promote recycling and waste reduction. The Commission functions as authorized by Massachusetts General Law 40, Section 8H.
The Recycling Commission consists of seven members appointed by the Board of Selectmen to serve three-year terms. The members are joined in this work by liaisons from the Board of Selectmen, Board of Health, Finance Committee and local non-profit groups.
The Recycling Commission’s goals are to:
Susan Skidmore | 6/30/2023 |
Annie Dugan | 6/30/2024 |
Peter Johnson | 6/30/2024 |
Meg Morris | 6/30/2024 |
Griffin Ryder | 6/30/2025 |
Katherine Scott | 6/30/2025 |
Patricia Semple | 6/30/2025 |
Recycling is the process of collecting certain unwanted materials that would otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them into new products.
Brewster began a new solid-waste management program on October 1, 2013 called Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT).
All Brewster Recycling Center users will dispose of trash in special Brewster PAYT bags. Refuse must be placed in those bags prior to disposal. PAYT bags are available for purchase at local stores and retailers. A list of local retailers can be downloaded by clicking here. Recyclables don’t need to be bagged.
PAYT bags for refuse are available in 3 sizes:
There is no bag required for dropping off recyclable items, however an annual vehicle permit is required to enter and use the Brewster Recycling Center.
With PAYT, recycling paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and metal containers continue to be handled as they have been.
Why is PAYT Good for Brewster?
PAYT is a system where residents pay by the bag for disposing of refuse (solid waste that can’t be recycled or reused in any way). It’s similar to paying for electricity or water. You pay only for what you use and no more.
Composting is a convenient, beneficial and inexpensive way to handle your organic waste and help the environment. Yard wastes such as leaves, grass clippings and weeds make excellent compost. Fruit and vegetable scraps, plus food wastes such as coffee grounds, tea bags, and eggs shells, can be composted.
Composting will remove food waste from your PAYT bags and reduce your PAYT bag costs.
Home Composting Tips
www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/recycle/reduce/composting-yard-and-food-waste.html
Solid waste is minimized when individual households reduce, reuse and recycle. Reusing items gives them a longer life and keeps them out of the natnion’s bloated trash stream.
A number of Cape Cod organizations will help residents donate items or find re-usable ones. Certain charities and non-profit groups will pick up items at your home and some donations are tax deductible. Consider donating to or shopping at thrift stores, consignment stores, or some of these organizations:
Habitat ReStore: A place to buy or donate used furniture, appliances, doors and windows, and building supplies. All merchandise is sold at significant discounts and sales support Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod.
Address: 28 Whites Path, Yarmouth, MA
Phone: Call ahead to drop off donations or to arrange for us to pick up, 508-394-6400
Goodwill: Goodwill makes high quality clothing and household goods available at reasonable prices through Goodwill Stores and provides job training and related services to help individuals with disabilities.
Address: 141 Corporation Plaza, Hyannis MA (behind Cape Cod Mall)
Phone: (508) 790-0046
Salvation Army: The Salvation Army Thrift shop has clothing and shoes for men, women and children, furnishings for the home, books, movies and CDs, toys and much more
Address: 105 Bassett Lane, Hyannis, MA
Phone: 508-771-8982
Website: www.salvationarmy.org
Craigslist: A classified advertising website that lets users post ads at no charge; a section of the website, which can be searched by local area (Cape Cod/Islands), offers items for sale.
Website: www.craigslist.org
For more information contact the Town Administrator's Office
508-896-3701 x1100
Brewster Town Offices
2198 Main St
Brewster, MA 02631