MAINE PUBLIC • October 28, 2022
The city of Biddeford can now revoke recycling services from residents who repeatedly contaminate their recycling bins with trash. Under an ordinance passed earlier this month, households will get two warnings if the city finds non-recyclable items in a recycle bin. On the third violation within 12 months, the city will no longer collect their recycling each week. Public Works Director Jeff Demers said that the department has worked to educate residents on what items can be recycled, and what items go into the trash. But despite that, he says a recent audit showed a recycling contamination rate of nearly 20 percent.