LEAVES, GRASS AND YARD WASTE

 April 7 - 11
April 28 – May 2
MAY 19 - 23

Yard waste must be in the 30 gallon paper bags and lined up at the curb by 7:00 A.M.  Brush will be picked up if it is cut into four foot lengths and securely tied into bundles.

The drop-off for yard waste at the Municipal Garage at 211 South Street will be open from 8:30 to 11:30 on the following Saturdays: 

May 31 & Jun 14
Jun 28 & Jul 12
Jul 26 & Aug 9
Aug 23 & Sept 6
Sept 20 & Oct 4

Brush must be no larger than three inches in diameter and cut into four foot lengths.

Spring Television and Computer Drop-off Event

The Board of Health announced the date for the television and computer drop-off event for Shrewsbury residents. Please click the link below for the full details.

• Spring TV and Computer Drop-off Flyer 2008

Shrewsbury Residents Ask: "What Can We Recycle?"

To help answer this question, the below document has a list of items that can be recycled at the curb as well as at other locations. Recycling paper and cardboard and plastic, glass and metal containers is mandatory in Shrewsbury. Help reduce the town's waste disposal costs and do the right thing for the environment... Recycle!

• "What Can We Recycle?"
• Learn How to Recycle More Paper
• Home Composting Information

SHREWSBURY RECYCLING NEWS

Shrewsbury residents have shown they want to recycle more. Using larger recycling containers is now acceptable.

In addition to 14 gallon recycling bins residents may use plastic trash barrels up to 32 gallons in size or other plastic containers for recycling cans, bottles and jars. Residents are asked to affix a recycling decal to the barrels.  The decals are available free of charge in the Health Department. The recycling containers brought to the curb must weigh no more than 30 lbs each.

In June, the Health Department will have 18 and 22 gallon recycling bins for sale in addition to the 14 gallon bins. Residents may also use clear plastic bags for their cans, bottles and jars. 

Paper and cardboard should be set out in paper bags or lightly tied with string. Shredded paper should be in paper bags. Use a staple at the top if the bag is very full. Be sure to ask for a paper bag or two when you shop. Cans, bottles and jars must be separated from the papers.

As part of a trail project resident who want to recycle light weight plastic bags may put all their plastic bags inside one bag and place that bag in the recycling bin.  Unwanted paper bags should be recycled with the papers.
   
Please recycle. A little effort can make a big difference.

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FLU WARNING:

Massachusetts and other New England states have entered peak influenza season, with substantial increases in both influenza-like illness (ILI) and confirmed cases of influenza. 
CDC Recommendations:
1.) Get vaccinated against seasonal influenza.  It is not too late. If you did not get a flu shot in the fall you should get it now. It will provide protection against seasonal influenza for the rest of the season which may last as late as May. Call you physician or go to St. Ann’s Free Medical Clinic on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. for a flu shot.
2.) Speak to you doctor about the appropriate use of influenza antiviral medications if you or someone in your household is ill.
3.) Use respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette measures to prevent the spread of influenza. These everyday preventive actions include frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when sick to keep from spreading illness.

Book Recycling

Shrewsbury has a new, expanded Book Recycling Program.  Residents may now deposit their books directly into the grey container marked "Got Books" in the parking lot to the left of the Senior Center.  In addition to hard cover books, we now accept CDs, DVDs, videos, audio books and records. Please - No Magazines.

Book Recycling is an easy way for residents to reduce their trash. And, if you recycle books and videos someone else will be glad to use them.

The new Book Recycling container is always available. Slide your books in the opening on the front of the container any day of the week at your convenience.

PLANNING FOR NATURAL DISASTERS, PANDEMIC INFLUENZA AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Pandemic influenza is a worldwide outbreak of flu that occurs when a new type of influenza virus appears. People have not been exposed to the virus before and have no immunity to it. Many people may be too ill to work during a pandemic and services may be disrupted. Healthcare facilities may be overwhelmed. Schools, banks, and stores may not be able to provide normal service because their staff is out sick.

Planning for Natural Disasters, Pandemic Influenza and Other Emergencies handout (pdf)

Public Health Fact Sheet

INFLUENZA: Birds, Pandemics and Protecting Yourself (pdf)

Frequently Asked Questions about the Avian Flu (pdf)

Is your family prepared for a hurricane, tornado, severe power outage, or an emergency that affects the area?
Go To: www.redcross.org and click on “Get Prepared” and “Prepare at Home” for help in making a family communications plan.