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1. How do the styrofoam and single-use plastic bag bans affect residents?

These bans apply to businesses, which will be offering alternatives to plastic bags and Styrofoam. Residents are allowed to use single-use plastic bags acquired from shopping in other towns, but we encourage bringing reusable bags when shopping. More information can be found here. 

2. How often is recycling?

Recycling is weekly on the same day as your trash pickup. Please put it on the curb by 6 AM.

3. My trash was not picked up. What do I do?

If it's your usual trash day (and not a holiday), call the DPW at 978-356-6612. If it's a holiday, make sure your trash is out for pickup the following day by 6 AM.            

4. Can I recycle plastic bags in my curbside bin?

No. Plastic bags (grocery, newspaper, bread, food and snack, produce, and dry cleaning bags) and plastic packaging (case, pallet, and furniture wrap; napkin, paper towel, diaper packaging wrap; and beverage case wrap) cannot be put in your curbside bin. You can recycle them in the drop-off bins at grocery stores (Shaw's, Market Basket) and other retail outlets (Target, Lowe's, Kohl's, Walmart, Staples) that accept this plastic, even if you did not purchase it at their store.

5. Is there a limit to the amount of recycling I can put at the curb?

Residents may put out UNLIMITED recycling of accepted items. Ipswich participates in single-stream recycling, so all recycling can be placed in the same container. Please flatten cardboard boxes. Remember to recycle everything allowed. Recycling saves Ipswich money, reduces waste, and helps ease the trash impact on the environment.