Rain, Recycling and Compost Bins Available to Portsmouth Residents

PORTSMOUTH, RI, February 8, 2016 – To better serve Portsmouth residents, Portsmouth offers residents Recycling Bins, Compost Bins and Rain Barrels at the Town Hall year-round.

“The Town of Portsmouth is expanding recycling and waste reducing opportunities,” said Sanne Kure-Jensen, the Town of Portsmouth’s Recycling Coordinator. “Recycle bins help residents sort recycling materials at home and reduce the number of plastic bags thrown away after delivering recyclables at Transfer Stations. By composting food scraps and yard waste at home, residents reduce transportation costs of sending waste to the RI Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) Central Landfill.”

Residents can collect chlorine-free rainwater for container plants and gardens using a recycled rain barrel. See a sample rain barrel and downspout diverter in the Portsmouth Town Hall lobby and pick up an order form. Each rain barrel holds 60 gallons of water. These rain barrels are recycled food containers used by a local importer of olives and capers. Rain barrels come in your choice of green, gray or dark brown. Barrels include instructions and resin fittings: spigot, drainage plug and overflow. Multiple barrels can be linked together to store even more rainwater and offer reserves for extended dry periods or droughts.

Purchase Recycling Bins for $7 each and Compost Bins for $45 each at the Portsmouth Town Hall.

Rain Barrels cost $89 each. “Save the Rain” downspout diverters attach downspout to guide rain from the rooftop to the rain barrel. Small diverters cost $30 and large diverters cost $37.50.

Pre-order your rain barrel and diverter from the RI Water Lady by April 15 by mail, by calling 401-486-5389 or on-line at http://bit.ly/PortsmouthRainBarrels. Pick up your rain barrel at the Portsmouth Department of Public Works at 143 Hedly Street on Saturday, April 23, from 9 am to 11 am.

For every rain barrel sold, the RI Water Lady will donate $10 to the Portsmouth Recycles program.

The Town Administrator, Richard Rainer, and Portsmouth’s Solid Waste/Recycling Committee support waste diversion, recycling and composting initiatives. Formed in 2008, Portsmouth’s Solid Waste/Recycling Committee is a group of professionals, consumers, gardeners and environmentalists working to increase the Town’s recycling rate and to promote responsible waste handling, recycling and composting. The Committee reviews Portsmouth’s solid waste disposal and recycling programs and makes recommendations to the Town Council.

The Committee fosters a better understanding of product disposal and packaging material, working towards a Zero Waste goal. The Committee has sponsored recycling equipment and education at Portsmouth High School. David Kehew, Director of Public Works, and Committee volunteers coordinate specialized waste disposal days like the biennial Eco Depot and hard plastic collection at Portsmouth High School.

For more information on recycling in Portsmouth, see www.portsmouthri.com/181/Portsmouth-Recycles, call (401) 643-0359 or email SKureJensen@PortsmouthRI.com.