Recycling

Paper, glass, metal, plastic, cardboard, and yard waste can be recycled via curbside recycling by Capitol Waste Services.

When recycling plastic bags, plastic film, bubble wrap, and plastic wrappers, don't put them in your curbside recycle bin; they mess up the recycling process. Take a look by watching a video. All of these items can be put in the collection bins at grocery and department stores like Target and WalMart. See Plastic Film Recycling for more information and locations.

When recycling shoes, clothing, and other textiles, consider options for curbside and dropoff textile recycling.

Dropoff Recycling at the Hartwell Avenue Composting Facility

  • Please check the schedule to make sure the facility is open before dropping off recyclables.
    • NOTE: The facility may be closed due to bad weather, so please call ahead to 781-274-8300. The facility is closed on legal holidays.

Cardboard

There are 3 large bins for cardboard recycling that can take oversized, flattened cardboard.

Items Containing Mercury

Residents can drop off the following mercury-containing products at the Universal Waste Shed:

  • thermometers
  • thermostats
  • fluorescent bulbs
  • compact fluorescent bulbs
  • button cell batteries
  • nickel cadmium rechargeable batteries
  • switches containing mercury
  • manometers

Scrap Metal

A variety of scrap metal items will be accepted in the recycling area, including:

  • antennas
  • bed frames
  • bikes
  • curtain rods
  • fans
  • gas grills (propane tank must be removed)
  • charcoal grills
  • gutters
  • ladders
  • railings
  • pipes
  • pots and pans
  • screen doors
  • shelves
  • signs
  • sinks
  • swing sets
  • toasters
  • wheelbarrows

Large appliances listed in the trash guidelines must be scheduled for curbside collection and will not be accepted at the drop off area.

Car Batteries

Car batteries can be left beside the Universal Waste Shed.

Propane Tanks

Propane tanks can be left beside the Universal Waste Shed.

Bicycles

Bicycles in any condition can be left at the composting facility at Hartwell Avenue. The Bike Connector takes them for their programs for students and others in need of basic transportation in Lowell and the surrounding communities. Please only leave bicycles and working bicycle components. The Bike Connector cannot take helmets, scooters, children’s toys, trailers, or car racks.

Books, CDs, DVDs & Video Games

There is a bin for donations. More Than Words, a local nonprofit, collects these.

Retirement of U.S. Flags

Place your worn out flag in this flag retirement box and it will be respectfully disposed of.