Acton’s Transfer Station is a busy compound that deals not only with disposal of trash, but also, with myriad options for recycling and reuse of the material “stuff” in our lives. Features of the  Transfer Station include:

  • a SMART/PAYT (Save Money And Reduce Trash/Pay As You Throw) pricing system for trash disposal, which ties the cost of disposal to the volume of household trash brought to the Transfer Station (TS). The short version: buy an annual TS sticker, purchase Acton trash bags for household trash at many local retailers, and then become a stellar recycler (thereby reducing household trash disposal costs). There are regular, senior, and recycling-only stickers available; all sticker holders have access to all recycling options.
  • recycling of many materials, including paper and cardboard; glass/plastic/metal containers’ batteries’ cell phones; sharps; fluorescent bulbs; motor oil; antifreeze; concrete/bricks/cement; brush/plant debris; scrap metal; white goods; polystyrene (StyrofoamTM) packing; rigid plastic toys, crates, etc.; aseptic cartons; and fireplace/woodstove ash. For a small fee, e-waste, televisions, propane tanks, and even mattresses can be recycled! See the Guide to Recycling at the Town of Acton Transfer Station.
  • the Food Waste Collection program, which accepts virtually any food waste, as well as house plants or flowers, food-soiled paper (plates, paper towels, envelopes, etc.), animal bedding, wine corks, nut shells, wooden popsicle sticks and chopsticks, sawdust, waxed paper and cardboard, and more. Details here.
  • the Swap Shop — the coolest thing ever! Bring clean items that are in good shape/working order to the Swap Shop, and take home whatever you find that you can use! All free! See more on how the Swap Shop works. Note: The Swap Shop operates with volunteer labor; an increase in the number of volunteers could allow the shop to be open on additional days. Anyone interested in volunteering may contact Debby Andell at debbyandell@gmail.com.
  • the bonuses: all TS sticker holders can help themselves to free mulch and compost (limits apply). All Acton residents can purchase discounted home composters, countertop compost buckets, and biodegradable bucket liners at the Highway Department office, 14 Forest Road, Mon.–Fri., 7:30am–3:30pm, or by appointment; 978.929.7740; payment is by cash or check.