An Update from the City of Newton DPW
Sustainable Materials Management Division
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Traditionally, many of us rake and bag our leaves in the fall to clean up the mess because we know they won't break down over the winter. But is there an alternative that requires less effort and yields positive results?
Yes, there is: leaf-cycling! All you need is a lawn mower. On those slightly dewy mornings this fall, elevate your mower deck to the highest setting. Mow over the leaves, crossing over them once or twice. Up to 6 inches of leaves can be “mulched” at a time, depending on the type of mower you have. Push mowers will handle smaller amounts, but are still effective. The remaining leaf mulch on the surface of the lawn will only last for a few days. The tiny pieces of leaves will sift down through the grass and provide future weed control and essential nutrients that can save you money and time. Come spring, you won’t notice the leaf bits, just a healthy, green lawn.
According
to research conducted by
Michigan State University
, the decomposing pieces of leaves cover up bare spots between turf plants that are an excellent opening for weed seeds to germinate. Their research has shown that nearly a 100 percent decrease in dandelions and crabgrass can be attained after adopting this practice of mulching leaves for as few as three years.
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Tips to reduce waste while packing your lunch
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Send yourself or your kids off for the day with a zero-waste lunch. This means eliminating any items that cannot be recycled or reused, such as cling wrap and plastic utensils. Instead, opt for reusable lunch containers, utensils, and a reusable water bottle.
Here's what you'll need:
A reusable lunch box made of stainless steel, plastic or durable fabric.
One reusable cloth napkin.
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Fall Fix-It Clinic
This
Saturday! 9/21
12 pm - 4 pm
Location:
The Makerspace in The Newton Free Library
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Learn to fix your broken stuff and have fun doing it. Fixing household items will extend their useful life, thus preventing broken items from being tossed out. Bring your repairable possessions such as a small appliances, toys, bikes, clothing, computers, musical instruments or other broken items and work with a coach who will troubleshoot and help you to repair it. No guarantees, but we’ll do our best to help you get your item up and running again. Sorry, no wooden furniture or jewelry repairs.
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REGISTER HERE
for a 30-minute time slot based on coach availability and nature of the repair.
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Johnny Amlie, 14, shows off the digital clock he repaired as a volunteer fixer during the last event in June.
Photo credit: Susan Legere
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Sunday, October 20
th
10 am - 4:30 pm
Location:
Newton Center Green
Langley Rd. & Centre St.
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This year, the
GreenEXPO
will host over 40 sustainably focused businesses and community groups that will show you the many ways you can make a positive impact on your home, community, and the world. Bring your family and friends for a day of fun and inspiration.
This year’s Expo is presented by Green Newton in collaboration with the Newton Harvest Fair.
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Don’t Trash it, Smash it!
Save the Date for Newton's First Pumpkin Smash
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Saturday, November 2
nd
11 am - 2 pm
Location:
Newton City Hall War Memorial Circle
1000 Commonwealth Ave.
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We'll send you more details about this event soon.
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Paper Shredding and Drug
Take-Back Day
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November 9
th
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location:
Newton Resource Recovery Center, located at 115 Rumford Ave.
Clean out your old files and medicine cabinets.
Shredding is for
RESIDENTIAL
materials only (no businesses). Staples may be left in documents, and paper bags may be shredded.
Limited to 4 paper boxes OR 8 paper bags per car.
Bring your old or unused prescription medications to be properly disposed of.
NO
liquids, aerosols, or sharps will be accepted. Drive-through service only; we ask that residents remain in their cars during shredding and drug take-back for everyone's safety.
Cosponsored by the Newton Department of Senior Services, the Newton Department of Public Works, the Newton Police Department, and the Newton Department of Health and Human Services.
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Advanced sign-up required. Starting October 20
th
, call the Newton Senior Center Front Desk at: (617) 796-1660 to register for a 15-minute time slot between
8 am - 12 pm.
*$5 suggested donation for 1-4 paper bags or 1-2 cardboard boxes, $10 suggested donation for 5-8 paper bags or 3-4 cardboard boxes
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Bright Idea: Recycle Fluorescent Light Bulbs
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Drop off your compact fluorescent
(CFL) light bulbs and fluorescent
light tubes at the Resource
Recovery Center.
Small amounts of mercury are
released into the environment if
fluorescent bulbs are improperly
disposed of at the end of their
useful lives. No mercury is released
when the bulbs are intact (i.e., not
broken) or in use.
home
,
clear the area for 5-10
minutes. Open a window, if possible. Then sweep up the broken bulb and toss in the trash. Do not vacuum up the broken bulb.
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All types of fluorescent and
compact bulbs are accepted at
the Resource Recovery Center.
- Remove bulbs from packaging
- Do not tape bulbs together
LED and halogen bulbs also accepted.
Incandescent bulbs go in the trash.
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Meet Erica, Our New Waste Diversion Coordinator
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As the Waste Diversion Coordinator, Erica works with the community to increase waste diversion in the City of Newton. This role creates and implements education and enforcement programs to encourage the highest and best use of unwanted materials. Erica previously worked for Newton Public Schools, and loved working in education, but what she missed the most was feeling the community impact from folk who care about the future of the Earth. In her free time, you will find her traveling, hiking, and relaxing with her cat,
Andy.
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Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and
Instagram
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Never miss trash day again
USE
RECYCLE RIGHT NEWTON
Want to make managing trash and recycling at home easier? Newton has an app for that.
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With the
Recycle Right Newton
App you can:
- View your collection calendar and set up customized reminders
- Stay in the loop on collection delays
- Find the right way to get rid of stuff
- Test your recycling skills with an interactive waste sorting game—fun for kids and adults!
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No smartphone? No problem.
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Thank you for recycling right!
Get involved:
- Volunteer to work at the Swap Shop, the Book Shed, or another project that suits your interests
- Attend a Solid Waste Commission meeting to engage in sustainable materials management policy
- Request a tour for your community group to see where things go after they're picked up from the curb
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Learn about the latest news at City Hall and around Newton. We'll look forward to sharing updates with you!
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City of Newton
Department of Public Works
Sustainable Materials Management Division
1000 Commonwealth Ave
Newton, MA 02459
617-796-1000
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