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Environmental Sustainability
Middletown is full of natural beauty. In order to preserve that beauty and the wonderful quality of life here, the City is taking action to be a leader in sustainability.
Energy and Sustainability
The City of Middletown's Clean Energy Task Force has undertaken a number of projects to reduce our city's energy consumption and costs, and to promote renewable energy generation. They have also championed the Sustainable CT effort in Middletown. The group achieved Silver Status in December 2019.
Middletown Waste and Recycling Tonnages
Connecticut is facing a waste crisis. We have limited capacity to process trash in our small state and with the recent closure of the Hartford trash to energy facility, more trash is being shipped out of state. This puts our residents and businesses at risk for higher costs. Middletown is working to develop policies and programs to control trash costs and encourage waste reduction and diversion. This will help keep our costs controlled and is better for our health and environment. Below is data on the amount of waste that is generated per capita in Middletown. Hopefully, in years to come, this amount will continue to decrease.
Residential Solid Waste Disposed Per Capita per year
2020: 920.69 lbs
2021: 758.54 lbs
Previous years data can found here: (PDF)
Recycling Events and Programs
Whether its learning how to compost, shredding sensitive documents or attending the Repair Cafe, the City of Middletown offers several different types of recycling, composting and waste reduction programs throughout the year. We are trying to teach residents, businesses, and visitors to reduce their waste, recycle more and learn more ways to live healthy and sustainably.
Recycling Services
Learn about the Middletown Recycling Center, curbside recycling, electronics recycling, woodchip deliveries and other recycling programs offered by the City.
Pollinator Pathways
Middletown Pollinator Pathway strives to encourage property owners in the Middletown area to manage their landscapes organically and with native plantings, so these properties can connect parks and preserves, creating crucial corridors for wildlife.
Members meet as needed to plan public events and support related efforts to our mission. These activities include speaker forums, public information kiosks, planting parties, and advocating for pollinator friendly landscapes in public places.
Organic Lawn Care
Traditional lawn-care fertilizers and treatments contain dangerous chemicals that can harm our environment, our health and the health of our pets. This is of special concern to Middletown, considering our close proximity to the Connecticut River. Project Green Lawn has been working for several years to educate residents and businesses about organic lawns and how to make the switch.
Invasive Species
Learn more about invasive plant species (PDF) and Invasive Jumping Worms (PDF) and what to do if you find them in your yard.
Transportation
The City of Middletown is taking important steps to save costs and reduce pollution by considering more fuel efficient vehicles. Read the resolution (PDF).
Low Impact Development
Low Impact development refers to systems and practices that minimize the effect of urban development on the way water flows or infiltrates throughout an ecosystem. More information can be found in this LID informational brochure (PDF).
Middletown's Government Participation Guide (PDF)
The City of Middletown's Sustainability Team and Wesleyan Sustainability teamed up to develop this guide to help residents learn about, and get involved, in Middletown's local government. Want to make an impact? Learn about all the different local commissions and committees and how decisions are made. Local government makes many decisions that directly impact residents and the community. If you want to make a difference, this is a great way to learn how to get started!