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Waste Reduction Program

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1. Why is trash limited to one barrel in Ipswich?

The cost of disposing of our trash in 2009 was $97 per ton for the nearly 4,000 tons of trash we generated annually. The first year of the WRP reduced the amount of trash by 161 tons, and by 2018 Ipswich reduced trash to 2,847 tons! 

Switching to bags benefits those who throw away only a little while offering 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 first bag or barrel of trash will be collected at no charge (maximum volume 35 gallons/maximum weight 50 pounds). 

Excess trash can be disposed of in overthrow bags, Ipswich’s official Waste Reduction Program trash bags. Overthrow bags should be placed on top or next to the first free bag/barrel.

4. How much do Ipswich’s overthrow trash bags cost?

Ipswich’s official overthrow/WRP bags cost $2 per bag and are sold in packs of 5 bags. These bags are necessary only when you dispose of trash in excess of one 35-gallon 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 hauling price for picking up your extra trash. Any trash in excess of the one-barrel limit must be placed in these special bags or it will not be picked up.

6. Where can I purchase these special bags?

Aubuchon Hardware, Conley's Drug, Cumberland Farms (both), DJ’s Variety, Richdale, Shaw's and Tedford's sell these bags.

7. What if I live in a multifamily home?

Label your barrel with your street number and unit number to avoid confusion. Each family is allowed one free 35-gallon bag or barrel.

8. My trash was not picked up. What happened?

If you did not have your trash at the curb by 6 AM or if you exceeded the one-barrel limit and did not put your extra trash in an overthrow bag, your trash will be left behind.

9. How will I dispose of sofas, mattresses or other large items that won’t fit into a bag?

Purchase a bulk item sticker ($10) from Conley’s Drug, Cumberland Farms (Central Street location only), DJ’s Variety, Richdale, Shaw’s or Tedford’s. 

Carpet from ONE room must be cut into 4-foot sections and rolled up. Electronics can be recycled curbside with the purchase of a $25 sticker, obtained from JRM by calling 978-536-2500. Additionally, electronic recycling events are held every May and September.

10. What about animals getting into the bags?

Animals are a concern with any trash bag or barrel. Trash should be put out by 6 AM on the day of your collection and official bags can be placed in a trash barrel.

11. How does the town deal with illegal dumping?

The town regularly monitors areas that have historically had dumping issues. We encourage residents to report offenders and to engage the cooperation of their neighbors for success of the program.

12. Is there a weekly recycling limit?

Residents may put out unlimited recycling of accepted items. Please call the DPW (978-356-6612) in advance if you will be putting out exceptionally large quantities of recycling so we can alert the JRM driver. 

Cardboard boxes should be flattened and piled. 

13. Does 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 hauling service to all households and allows the first bag or barrel to be collected at no charge. 

By recycling items at the curb, most residents are able to fit all of their trash into the one free container each week and experience little or no additional cost. 

14. Do other cities and towns in Massachusetts have Waste Reduction Programs (WRP)?

More than 130 municipalities in Massachusetts have either pay as you throw (PAYT) or WRP programs. In our region, neighboring communities (including Hamilton, Wenham and Topsfield) all have WRP programs.

15. 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.

16. What can residents do to make this program work?

• Recycle all items accepted through our curbside collection program, to the maximum extent possible.
• Bring other accepted items to the transfer station.
• Donate reusable items.
• Join the curbside composting program.
• Consider disposal issues before making purchases – choose items with less packaging or decide if/when you can avoid making a purchase.

17. Whom can I contact if I have any questions?

Contact the Department of Public Works by phone at 978-356-6612 or by email.