During these unprecedented times, we cannot overlook the sacrifices our frontline workers are making. Every day, medical professionals, first responders, supermarket workers, delivery drivers, and collection workers leave their homes to keep us safe, healthy, and fed. These are our heroes.
R.W. Herrick has been the Town of Gorham’s curbside trash and recycling contractor for the past 18 years. Although the job can be “hot and smelly, cold and miserable, depressing and rewarding,” this is the first time “it has been scary,” according to Operations Manager, Adam Burns.
“The CDC classifies collection workers as high risk. We cannot distance ourselves from your trash and recycling. We are just asking for your help in keeping ourselves and our families safe and healthy,” he added.
With Maine’s stay-at-home order, R.W. Herrick is seeing an increase in the amount of trash and recycling being produced. Burns and his crew are asking for the community’s help.
All recycling can go in one tote, milk crate, plastic container, or clear plastic bag (tied at the top), according to the Gorham Public Works Department. Items that are approved for recycling include: paper, plastic, metal, and glass. Paper comprises of clean cardboard, newspaper, mail, paper bags, and drink boxes. Plastic products must have a number (1-7) in the middle of the chasing arrow symbol and consists of items such as water bottles, milk jugs, and detergent bottles. Tin cans, empty aerosol cans, aluminum foil and pots and pans are acceptable to recycle as are all glass bottles and jars.
Items that are NOT recyclable include: plastic bags, hazardous waste, kitty litter, Styrofoam, food waste, coffee filters, metal coat hangers, wood, clothing, tissues and paper towels, floor sweepings, knives, diapers, chip or snack bags, and large metal parts.
Kevin Roche, CEO of ecoMaine, reiterated the importance of proper disposal, “We have been focused for a long time on making sure the right material is in the right bin. At this point, under these circumstances, it’s even more important now than ever to keep recyclables in the recycling and solid waste in the trash.”
In addition to proper sorting, Burns asks that residents assist his collection workers by placing all trash and recycling receptacles at the end of their driveway, ensuring that all bags are properly tied, and putting all trash and recycling in a tote, trash can, or other approved container.
The Town of Gorham also reminds residents to have trash tagged/bagged appropriately and out no later than 7 a.m. on the day of collection as R.W. Herrick is dealing with a much larger volume of trash and recycling.
For residents who do not wish to leave home to obtain trash bags/tags, the Public Works Department is providing delivery and invoicing for residents. Call 892-9062 for more information.
For more information on trash and recycling, as well as recycling guidelines, visit this page.