New Cardboard Compactor Launches July 23rd at Bedford Recycling Center
Bedford Public Works is pleased to announce that the new cardboard compactor at the Bedford Recycling Center (BRC) will be up and running starting Wednesday July 23rd!
This new system is designed to make recycling your cardboard easier, faster, and more efficient. With the compactor now in place, we’ll also be introducing a “Cardboard Fast Lane”, a circular traffic pattern to the right of the compactor unit for residents who have only cardboard to drop off. To use this fast lane, all cardboard must be flattened and cut into pieces no larger than 34 inches across at the longest side. This helps keep the process smooth and ensures your materials fit into the new equipment properly.
What to Expect:
- Flatten and size your cardboard: Please break down all boxes and make sure pieces are no larger than 34 inches. Cut boxes down before arriving, if necessary.
- Follow the new traffic flow: DPW staff will be on site to help direct vehicles and explain the updated layout.
- Need more time? Stay left: If you have additional materials or need extra time, please park to the left side of the compactor area to avoid slowing traffic in the fast lane.
Reminder: What’s Accepted (Corrugated Cardboard)
At the BRC, only clean, dry corrugated cardboard is accepted—this is the sturdy, layered cardboard used in shipping boxes.
Please do not bring:
- Wet or dirty cardboard
- Paper or paperboard (like cereal boxes or tissue boxes)
- Fiber-based insulation
- Plastic films or wraps
- Bubble wrap or padded mailers
Wet or dirty cardboard can contaminate clean material in our load - potentially causing the recycler to reject all the material in the compactor. Paperboard and paper packing should be placed in your curbside recycling cart at home. Fiber-based insulation, plastic films and bubble wrap should go in your trash cart.
We appreciate your cooperation and support as we roll out this important upgrade. The new compactor will reduce truck traffic, cut emissions, and save money while keeping cardboard out of the waste stream and in the recycling loop where it belongs.
View a map of the new traffic pattern and layout here.
Thank you for helping Bedford lead the way in sustainable recycling!
— Bedford Department of Public Works