Ipswich, MA - Official Website

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Waste Reduction Program

1. Why is trash limited to 1 barrel in Ipswich?: The cost of disposing of our trash in 2009 was $97 per ton in “tipping fees” to dispose of the nearly 4,000 tons of trash we generated annually. The first year of the WRP reduced the amount of trash we generated by 161 tons! Switching to bags benefits those who throw away a little while encouraging others to recycle more and offer a way for those who throw away a lot to pay their fair share.

2. What is Ipswich’s Waste Reduction Program all about?: The Waste Reduction Program reduces solid waste management costs for the town, which allows your tax dollars to be spent on roads, safety and education. It also provides an incentive to increase recycling and waste diversion, and it’s a more equitable system for sharing costs.

3. How does the Waste Reduction Program work?: The program in effect since July 1, 2010 limits trash to 35 gallons per week per household. With this Waste Reduction Program, the 1st bag or barrel of trash will be collected at no charge (maximum volume 35 gallon / maximum weight 50 lbs.). Excess trash can be disposed of in specially marked bags, Ipswich’s official Waste-Reduction-Program trash bags. These bags should be placed on top or next to the 1st free barrel.

4. How much do Ipswich’s WRP trash bags cost?: Ipswich’s official WRP bags cost $2 per bag. Packets are sold containing 5 bags each. It will only be necessary to use these bags when you dispose of trash in excess of 1 bag or barrel per week.

5. Why do I need to pay so much for these special bags when I can purchase a regular bag for much less?: The special bags include the service price for picking up your extra trash. Any trash in excess of the one-barrel limit must be placed in the special bags or it will not be picked up.

6. Where can I purchase these special WRP bags?: Conley's Drug, Cumberland Farms, Richdale, Shaw's Supermarket and Tedford's carry these bags.

7. What if I live in a multi-family home?: Label your barrel with your street number and unit number to avoid confusion.

8. How will I dispose of couches, mattresses or other large items that won’t fit into a bag?: Bulky waste (mattresses, sofas, chairs) will continue to be picked-up curbside at no extra cost, limit one per week. Electronics can be recycled curbside with the purchase of a $25 sticker, obtained from JRM by calling 978-536-2500. Additionally, various electronic recycling events are held throughout the year in the town of Ipswich at a reduced fee.

9. What about animals getting into the bags?: That is a concern with any bag. Trash should be put out on the day of your collection and official bags can be placed in a trash barrel.

10. How will the town deal with illegal dumping?: The town will regularly monitor areas that have historically had dumping issues. We encourage residents to report offenders as well as engage the cooperation of their neighbors for success of the program.

11. Is there a weekly recycling limit?: Residents may put out unlimited recycling of accepted items. Ipswich participates in single-stream recycling, which means all recycling can be placed in 1 container and cardboard boxes no longer need to be broken down. Remember to recycle everything allowed. Recycling saves money and is good for the environment.

12. Will this program cost me more money?: With this Waste Reduction Program, residents only pay for the excess amount of trash they generate after the first bag or barrel. Ipswich’s Waste Reduction Program provides a basic level of service to all households, allowing the first bag or barrel to be collected at no charge. Most residents (smaller families and good recyclers) will be able to fit all of their trash into the one free container allowed each week, therefore, most households will experience little or no additional cost from this program. Residents can save money if they recycle all the materials that are accepted by the town’s recycling hauler, and do this to the maximum extent possible. In a recent survey it was determined that over 60% of Ipswich households only put out 1 barrel per week!

13. Do other cities and towns in Massachusetts have Waste Reduction Programs (WRP)?: Yes! Currently, there are over 130 municipalities in Massachusetts with either pay as you throw (PAYT) or WRP programs. In our region, neighboring communities like Hamilton, Wenham and Topsfield all have WRP programs in place.

14. Do residents in other municipalities like WRP?: In every municipality where WRP is proposed, some residents feel certain that they won’t like the program. However, once residents experience the program in action, they often come to support the program due to its inherent fairness and cost savings.

Recycle all items accepted through our curbside collection program, to the maximum extent possible.
Donate reusable items and take other actions to reduce waste, such as composting.
Think when you shop to reduce waste in first place.

16. Who can I contact if I have any questions?: You can contact the Department of Public Works at 978-356-6613 or email the Ipswich Recycling Committee.