BLACKSTONE — Town Administrator Chad Lovett and Chairman of the Board of Health Josh J. Ryan are pleased to announce that the Town of Blackstone will transition to a rolling toter system for residential waste and recycling collection, beginning Sept. 1, 2025.
Residents will soon receive two free 96-gallon rolling totes — one for trash and one for recyclables — replacing resident-supplied barrels and small bins.
Following the switch, residents will experience immediate benefits, including reduced tonnage at the curb, single-stream recycling (no more sorting) and 96-gallon rolling totes with lids (to reduce airborne trash and animal damage to curbside bags).
The Blackstone Board of Health has led the efforts to transition waste removal.
“This will be a major, positive change for Blackstone,” said Health Agent Colleen Strapponi, who recently celebrated 30 years of service in the community. “There is no fee for the new containers, and residents will find the process easier and more environmentally friendly.”
Once the transition takes effect, all curbside waste must fit within the provided totes. Any additional trash must be brought to the Recycling Center located at 14 Chestnut St. for disposal, with a fee of $3 per bag. Additional recycling may also be brought to the center at no charge.
The Recycling Center will be open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.
“There will be an adjustment period for residents regarding the elimination of trash bags curbside, however most households in Town have been maintaining the 96-gallon curbside limit,” Strapponi said. “The Board of Health and the Town Administrator’s Office are committed to making the transition process for residents as smooth as possible through the distribution of household mailers and other educational materials over the summer.”
Property owners with four or more units will no longer be eligible for curbside pickup. The Board of Health made this decision due to the costs associated with providing the toters and service in addition to the tonnage generated from four-or-more-unit properties.
“This change will help Blackstone become a cleaner, more cost-efficient community,” said Town Administrator Lovett. “We appreciate the thoughtful planning of the Board of Health and are confident residents will appreciate the benefits of the new system.”
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