1. Ridgefield Recycling Center Opening
The Ridgefield Recycling Center building opened on April 20, 1974, becoming one of the first recycling facilities for this purpose in the State of Connecticut.
April is Earth Month, a time to celebrate our planet and take action to protect the world around us. Each year, the Town of Ridgefield proudly celebrates Earth Day along with billions of others around the world. In honor of Ridgefield Recycling Center’s 50th Anniversary this year, we have teamed up with the Town of Ridgefield to share everything you need to know about the Recycling Center and how you can participate in keeping Ridgefield clean, sustainable, and beautiful.
Many thanks to Tiffany Carlson, Recycling Coordinator for the Town of Ridgefield, for educating us on all things recycling! Take a look at 10 interesting facts about Ridgefield Recycling Center. And be sure to scroll down to the end to learn how you can celebrate Earth Month in Ridgefield.
Ridgefield Recycling Center (1974) Courtesy of Jack Sanders
The Dump Ball Invitation (1972)
2. The Dump Ball in Ridgefield
In 1972, a unique and nationally newsworthy society event called “The Dump Ball” brought townspeople together to support and raise funds for the creation of a permanent center for recycling.
Ridgefielders Recycling (1974) Courtesy of Jack Sanders
3. Mandatory Recycling Act of 1991
The Mandatory Recycling Act went into effect in Connecticut on January 1, 1991 which placed Ridgefield in compliance with the new law from day one.
4. First Ongoing Composting System
Ridgefield Recycling Center is home to the first ongoing Aerated Static Pile Composting System for food waste in the State of Connecticut. Ridgefielders have diverted over 38 tons or 76,000 lbs as of February 2024.
5. Recycling Mattresses
Since the start of the Extended Producer Responsibility Program for mattresses, Ridgefielders have recycled over 12,150 units. Each mattress recycled saves 500 gallons of water, enough energy to power an average household for 3 days, and saves greenhouse gas emissions equal to driving 60 fewer miles.
6. Giving Back
ScoutCAN has been an integral part of the Recycling Center since 2008 and has raised more than $50,000 that has been distributed back to local charities and town conservation efforts.
7. Most Trash Can Be Recycled!
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 75% of what Americans throw in the trash can be recycled. Just one permit is required to use both the Ridgefield Transfer Station and Ridgefield Recycling Center! View the Recycling Directory for all items that can be recycled
8. New Glass Recycling Program
In 2019, Connecticut’s Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority implemented a new recycling program to separate glass from its current mixed, single-stream disposal system. The source-separated glass collection has totaled 465 tons since its inception. The materials are being recycled as consumer and industrial products.
9. Recycling Totals
In 2023, Ridgefielders recycled over 100 tons of glass, 673 tons of mixed recycling, and 46.62 tons of e-waste (computers, televisions, radios, cell phones, and small appliances) at the Recycling Center!
10. Celebrating 50 Years!
In 2024, the Town of Ridgefield is proud to celebrate 50 years of offering residents an easy way to reduce their household trash and a sustainable way to ensure as many resources as possible don’t go into the waste stream. You can view this year’s “50 Years of Recycling in Ridgefield: Then & Now” Exhibit on display at Town Hall through April 30th.
Get Started ♻️
Residents and non-residents must have a permit to enter the Ridgefield Transfer Station and Recycling Center. Permits can be obtained at the Town Hall Tax Collector’s Office at 400 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT. Download Permit Application
The Ridgefield Recycling Center is located at 55 South Street, Ridgefield, CT.
Hours: Open on Tuesdays – Saturdays from 7:30 am – 3:00pm
Tip: With the average monthly cost of curbside pickup between $30 – $50 per month, the Recycling Center’s $20 permit is an excellent way to reduce your household waste and save on curbside service. A special local business permit is available for $50.
Celebrate Earth Month in Ridgefield! 🌎🌼
Join us in celebrating Earth Month in Ridgefield this spring! Here are some ways to participate:
Rid Litter Days
Saturday, April 27th and Sunday, April 28th
Help make a difference in keeping Ridgefield clean! Pick-up supplies at select locations in town. Learn more
Ridgefield Action Committee for the Environment
Ridgefield Action Committee for the Environment is made up of volunteers and open to all residents who want to help our community live sustainably and be good stewards of the earth. Learn more
Ridgefield Garden Club
Become a volunteer, join their meetings and workshops, make a donation, or show your support at this year’s Annual Plant Sale on Friday, May 10th and Saturday, May 11th.
“50 Years of Recycling in Ridgefield: Then & Now” Exhibit
On display at Town Hall through April 30th
The Ridgefield Historical Society, Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority and the Town of Ridgefield have created an exhibit in Town Hall that highlights recycling efforts here over the past 50 years. Throughout April, there will be special promotions by the town on ways to “reduce, reuse and recycle.” Learn more
Thank you to the Town of Ridgefield and the community for keeping our community earth-friendly and beautiful!
