Residential Recycling Initiative
We need every household in providence to change their habits to clean up our contaminated recycling.
In 2025 Zero Waste Providence submitted a winning proposal to the City of Providence, entering a 20 month contract funded through the EPA and PVD’s Department of Sustainability to educate Providence residents about proper household recycling behavior. This is part of a larger city-wide multi-department initiative to correct our low recycling rate in the capital city. The City of Providence is currently paying 2-3 million dollars a year in fees and fines resulting from contaminated recycling loads that have been rejected at our Materials Recycling Facility (MRF). These rejected recycling loads go directly to the landfill, which is rapidly filling up and scheduled to close by 2046. Through 2026, ZWP’s trained Street Team will be performing curbside cart inspections and leaving educational feedback for residents, informing them of the specific items in their recycling cart that do not belong in our local recycling stream. The Street Team will visit the same curbside carts several weeks in a row on recycling day to measure the improvement in resident participation. Some households may receive a follow-up visit from our Street Team during afternoon hours for an opportunity to talk more in-depth and resolve any confusion about what can and cannot go in the curbside recycling carts. ZWP will not be issuing fees or fines, but we will be offering supportive information.
When the Street Team opened the lid of the recycling cart, they saw items that are not locally curbside recyclable, and do not belong in the curbside recycling cart. These items are considered “contamination” and they cause the truckload to be rejected from the recycling facility. The Street Team left an “Oops tag” on the cart, marking specifically which item(s) they saw. Please do not ever place the item identified in your recycling cart. Recyclables in your cart should be clean, loose, and dry. Questions? Call the ZWP Hotline at (401) 753-2730
When the Street Team opened the lid of the recycling bin, they were pleased with what they saw. No contaminants were seen. Thank you for doing your part and being a great recycler in Providence! If you would like to get more involved with our outreach efforts and support your neighbors in proper recycling behavior, please fill out our Interest Form.
Some items you wish to discard are too large for the curbside cart, and you must schedule a free Bulky Waste Pickup. Schedule your free bulky waste pickup by calling Waste Management 1 (800) 972-4545
If it is past 6pm on your pickup day, you can submit a Missed Pickup by contacting PVD 311 or Waste Management at 800-972-4545. Sometimes the big WM trucks can’t reach your cart due to parked cars, roadwork, utility work, or other various obstacles.
Some household items are hazardous for our health and cannot be flushed, dumped, or thrown away into the curbside cart. Examples include automotive fluids, moth balls, propane tanks, fertilizers, pesticides, flea treatments, pool chemicals, and rechargeable batteries. These items must be disposed of by using the EcoDepot. For details about EcoDepot call 401-942-1430 x3241
If your cart ever gets broken or damaged, you can get a free replacement by contacting DPW. Intact carts help keep vermin and rainwater out. Please speak up when your cart is damaged. Call 311
Did you know that food scraps and wasted food do not belong in the garbage or down the in-sink disposal? Food scraps are compostable, meaning they can be recycled back into the earth. Composting helps prevent greenhouse gas emissions, creates local jobs, and extends the lifespan of our central landfill. To participate in composting you can learn more on the city’s webpage or get involved with ZWP's compost initiatives! Providence has a network of drop-off sites, curbside pick-up services, and backyard compost mentorships.