COVID-19 Public Works Information

Middletown Trash and Recycling Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Trash and Recycling services are considered essential and will continue during this pandemic.  However, we all must take care to make sure the collection is as safe as possible for our employees.  Please follow these simple instructions.

TRASH

  • Make sure trash is tightly bagged and placed in carts.  
  • If you have extra trash, arrangements must be made with your trash hauler (either private or the City) to get that safely collected.  Call your hauler to make arrangements before setting the trash out. 
  • The Sanitation District is abiding by social distancing requirements.  Please be patient as they work to make these adjustments.
  • Sanitation District Payments - We recommend customers staying safe and avoiding the lines.  Payments can be mailed in or made on line here.  

RECYCLING

  • Recycling must be placed LOOSE in the container.  Please DO NOT BAG recyclables.
  • In the Sanitation District, large pieces of cardboard can be placed, flattened and bundled, next to the recycling cart so it doesn’t clog up the cart. 
  • Please make sure you recycle the correct materials.  Rinse these materials and make sure they are empty of any food items.  This is very important. Magnets, blowers and conveyors, sort through the recyclables, but so do people.   Please don’t put the wrong items in the bin.  This lowers the risk to the workers.   Go to www.recyclect.com to see the list of acceptable items.   If you aren’t sure, don’t put it in the bin.   You can always email the Recycling Coordinator to ask. 

SHARPS 

Sharps do NOT belong in recycling carts. Please them in a coffee can, laundry detergent bottle or some other container with a top.   Tape it together and label it “Sharps” and place it in the trash.   

RECYCLING CENTER 

The Middletown Recycling Center is open and operating normal hours.   It is open Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.  and every Saturday through November, 7:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.   It is accepting all regular materials including bulk waste, recyclables, brush, food waste, household electronics and antifreeze.  Please keep a six foot distance from others at the Center and wear a face mask to keep everyone safe.  The Swap Shack is currently closed.

BULK WASTE 

The City is collecting Bulk Waste in addition to storm brush.  Payments can be made through the mail or by coming to the Dept. of Public Works in City Hall.  Please make an appointment first by calling 860-638-4850 if you are coming to City Hall.  Bulk pick ups will be suspended Oct. 19th for leaf collection.  

BRUSH PICK UP 

City crews are picking up brush that is less than 6" in diameter and cut to 4’ lengths.    City crews are working with social distancing requirements and dealing with emergencies, so please be patient, we cannot tell you exactly when it will be picked up.  Residents can bring brush to the Recycling Center themselves, if they need it removed in a more timely manner.  

PARK CLOSINGS and RE-OPENINGS

City parks and trails are open.  

Tennis Courts, playgrounds, basketball courts and skate parks are open dawn to dusk. 

Sports fields are open.  Teams must submit a Return to Play plan to the Health Department for approval.   Competitive play for out of town teams is allowed.  

All locations require social distancing and hand sanitizing. Signs will be posted. Please bring hand sanitizer with you and use it before using any public equipment or facilities.   

CITY HALL

City Hall is open.  Masks must be worn inside City Hall and social distancing requirements followed.    

Other important Public Works Information

 

2021 HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE AND PAPER SHREDDING EVENTS (PDF)

PAINT DISPOSAL

BOTTLE REDEMPTION (BOTTLE BILL) - Redemption areas are open at all stores selling deposit containers.  Please be sure to follow specific COVID protocols for each location.  

TEXTILE RECYCLING UPDATE - Curbside pink bag collection has been suspended.  

SINGLE USE PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS - In an effort to reduce plastic pollution, single use plastic check out bags are not allowed to be given out at commercial establishments in Middletown.  Commercial businesses, including restaurants, can offer alternative paper bags for ten cents each or customers can use their own bags.  Stores may continue to allow retail employees the opportunity to decline to bag for customers who bring in reusable bags. DEEP, DPH and DRS have provided additional guidance that reusable bags do not present a significant health risk (updated May 15).

Watch this page for updates on other Public Works Issues during this Public Health Emergency.   If you have specific questions, call the administrative office at 860-638-4850.