Recycling Tips

What to recycle and where to do it

Office paper, wrapping paper, packing material, cardboard and gift boxes are all recyclable.  Styrofoam is not, but some commercial mailing centers accept Styrofoam peanuts for reuse. For more information on what can be recycled or where to recycle call (207) 871-SORT, or visit the Regional Waste Systems web site at www.regionalwaste.org.

Computer and TV disposal/recycling

Did you know that it is illegal to treat computers as house hold waste in Maine?  Instead, defunct computers must be disposed of properly using Maine's "Shared Responsibility" system.  For more information visit:  http://www.maine.gov/dep/rwm/recycle/computerrecy.htm

Disposal: You can take your old computer or television to the Riverside Recycling facility located in the Portland area, open Monday-Saturday 7:30 to 3:30pm.  Or you can go through a private service such as Environ Services in Gorham (854-8228) or Clean Harbors in South Portland (799-8111 x 316). These companies charge a nominal fee for recycling.  For more options, click here.

Recycling: You can also donate your old computer. To see if your computer still has life left in it yet, go to http://www.recycles.org/states/Maine/. 

Batteries & Mercury products

For a list of organizations and companies that provide recycling services for batteries, mercury-containing products, as well as other toxics, click for more information.

Reusing Goods through Freecycle.org

This is a place where you can get free stuff - day lilies, an electric typewriter, a Ross three-speed bike, or roofing shingles – from other people here in Maine. Or, if you have items you want to pass along, but not to the dump, check out http://freecycle.org. 

How it works: You sign up for a Freecycle message group in your area through Yahoo.com (at no charge). Members then post messages offering their wares to the first taker (OFFERED: ...) or seeking goods (WANTED: ...). If you are interested, you respond to the person who posted the message.

Tip: Check out the Tips to Organize Your Mail under Frequently Asked Questions. In doing this, you can avoid clicking the wrong thing and being inundated with emails.