FRAMINGHAM, MA -- This spring the Department of Public Works will be hosting several events aimed at increased recycling and environmental awareness.

On Saturday, April 18th the second annual Shred Fest will be held at the Recycling Center on Mount Wayte Ave from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. This event provides free and secure paper shredding of your confidential documents. Watch a video monitor as your documents are shredded in their first step to being recycled. The only requirement is that your vehicle displays a valid permit to enter the facility.

On Saturday, April 25th come join the Recycling Center staff on Mount Wayte Ave from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm to celebrate Earth Day. Tables will be set up highlighting local businesses such as REI, Whole Foods, Target, Big Fresh and Trader Joes each giving away promotional items.

The High School Environmental Club and the Public Works department will be offering free face painting, composting workshops and demonstrating hands-on crafts aimed at our environment. The day should be full of free stuff, education and entertainment for both the young and old.

The Department of Public Works will once again be hosting a rain barrel sale and distribution event. Thanks to a grant from the Department of Environmental Protection, the first 50 barrels sold will receive a $10.00 discount.

Barrels must be purchased prior to the distribution event by calling (877)-977-3135 or on the web at www.nerainbarrel.com

Barrels will be distributed on Tuesday, May 12th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Public Works Operations Center located at 100 Western Ave. New this year compost bins will also be available for purchase this year. Compost bins must be purchased the day of the event.

On Wednesday, June 24th our second annual electronics collection event will be held at the Recycling Center from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Anything with a power cord or power button will be accepted free of charge. The permit requirement to enter the facility will be waived with a non-perishable food donation. Food donations will be given directly to food pantries serving Framingham residents.

All electronics collected containing hazardous materials will be recycled domestically within the United States; nothing will be exported.

In addition to these events, the Department of Public Works will be providing curbside collection of leaves and brush this spring. Leaf collection will occur on your regular trash collection day the weeks of April 13th through the 17th and April 27th through May 1st. Brush collection will occur the week of May 4th through the 8th. Please keep in mind that brush must be bundled, no longer than four feet and no wider than four inches.

Leaves in plastic bags or excess of 40 pounds will not be collected.

Unfortunately due to budget cuts, the scheduled Household Hazardous Waste Day this May has been cancelled. The next collection event is scheduled for October. The exact date and time will be announced this summer.

Any questions about this or any of the Department of Public Works Solid Waste programs may be directed to 508-532-6001

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