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Newsletter: August 2026 (Newspaper)

Reprint of the August 2026 edition of the Eastham Waste Reduction & Recycling Committee’s Newsletter.
Click here to download the PDF version

The focus of this month’s edition of the Eastham Waste Reduction & Recycling Committee’s Newsletter is Newspaper!

This month, we’re focusing on newspapers—what can be recycled, what happens to them after they leave the Transfer Station, and why keeping paper out of the trash matters in Eastham. Inside the August issue, you’ll learn what belongs in the newspaper recycling stream, including comics, coupons, and glossy inserts, along with common mistakes to avoid. We’re also following the journey of recycled newspapers to the paper mill and looking at how they can become new paper products, cardboard, packaging, and insulation. You’ll find out how much newspaper Eastham has recycled in recent years and why recycling it is a better choice than sending it to the waste-to-energy facility.

Plus, take our Second-Hand September Pop Quiz, learn about food waste composting with Scrappy at the Farmers Market, share your thoughts through our 2026 Recycling Survey, and find ways to get involved with the Waste Reduction & Recycling Committee. Join us in keeping valuable materials in circulation and out of the trash!

Topics include:

REFUSE, RETHINK, REDUCE, REUSE,RECYCLE

August 2026

EASTHAM RECYCLES
Focus on Newspapers

Transfer Station Hours

  • Saturday through Wednesday
    • 7:30am to 3pm
  • Summer Hours
    • Also open Fridays
    • Jul 3 – Sep 11
  • Closed
    • Sep 7 (Labor Day)

Swap Shop

  • Saturday, Sunday,
    Wednesday
    • 10am to 1pm

Eastham Farmers’ Market

  • June 19 – Oct 9
  • 9am-12pm
  • T-Time site,4790 US-6, Eastham
  • Food Waste Compost Bin!

Helpful Links

Second-Hand September Pop Quiz: 

Q: What happens when we choose second-hand instead of buying new?
   A. We keep usable items out of the trash
   B. We reduce demand for new products
   C. We save resources and energy
   D. All of the above!

Answer from last month’s quiz
What is recycled newspaper often turned into?

A. New newspapers
B. Cardboard and paper products
C. Egg cartons
D. All of the above

Volunteers Wanted

We are looking for new members as well as community volunteer to help strengthen our waste reduction efforts.
Lend a hand at local events, assist with a workshop, help plan future initiatives.

Whether you have an hour to spare or want to take on a small project, we’d love your help.

Reach out to recyclingcommittee@eastham-
ma.gov and get involved!

For More Information

Check out these resources for more information. 

Contact Us
The Eastham Waste Reduction & Recycling Committee is always looking for volunteers as well as members. Contact us via email at recyclingcommittee@eastham-ma.gov or the Eastham Waste Reduction & Recycling Committee page on the Eastham Town website.

Archives

Today’s News, Tomorrow’s Newspapers

When you recycle newspapers at the Eastham Transfer Station, they are baled and sent to a paper mill where they’re turned into pulp, cleaned, and made into new products. In fact, paper fibers can be recycled 5–7 times before they become too short to make new paper products.

Your old newspaper can become:

  • New newspapers, paper towels and tissues
  • Cardboard and packaging and egg cartons
  • Cellulose insulation

Why Recycle Newspapers?

  • Keeps valuable paper out of the waste-to-energy facility.
  • Saves about 17 trees for every ton of paper recycled.
  • Conserves approximately 7,000 gallons of water per ton.
  • Uses less energy than making paper from new wood fibers.
  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Newspaper Recycling 101

Newspapers are one of the easiest items to recycle—but a few simple tips can help ensure they become new paper products instead of waste.

Recycle:

  • Newspapers
  • Comics
  • Coupons
  • Advertising inserts and flyers (even glossy ones)
  • Staples are removed during the paper recycling process, so there’s no need to take them out.

Do not recycle:

  • Newspapers in brown bags or plastic bags
  • Wet, moldy, or food-soiled newspapers (such as those used to absorb grease)
  • Magazines and phone books

What Happens to Newspapers in Eastham

When newspaper is thrown in the trash, Eastham pays to transport and incinerate it at SEMASS. The cost to the town for recycling is significantly less! The newspaper is de-inked and repulped

Amounts recycled in Eastham:

  • 2025: 20.32 tons of newspapers recycled
  • 2023: 32.54 tons of newspapers recycled
  • 2024: 23.93 tons of newspapers recycled

Food Composting at the Eastham Farmers Market

The Eastham traveling compost bin “Scrappy” will be available at the Eastham Farmers Market all summer!

Come on by, and bring your compost and questions!

Fridays from June 19 – October 9, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
At the T-Time site, 4790 US-6, Eastham

2026 Recycling Survey

Help guide Eastham’s waste reduction, recycling, and reuse efforts.

The Eastham Waste Reduction & Recycling Committee is gathering community input to improve programs and set priorities for the year ahead.

Whether you use the Transfer Station often or not, your feedback matters. This quick survey takes just a few minutes and will help make Eastham’s programs more effective for everyone.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

Link to survey https://s.surveyplanet.com/5byu8qlu

In the News

Whether you have an hour to spare or want to take on a small project, we’d love your help. Reach out to recyclingcommittee@eastham-ma.gov and get involved!

Upcoming Events

  • 2026–2027 Beach & Transfer Station Stickers
    • Mail in Applications will start being processed April 1st
    • Online Sticker sales will begin on May 1st
    • Sticker Office Windows for in-person sales will open June 4th
  • June 26 – Oct 9 @ 9am-12pm : Eastham Farmer’s Market
    • Food waste composting with Scrappy!
    • Friday mornings
    • T-Time site,4790 US-6, Eastham
  • Aug 18 @ 5pm : Waste Reduction & Recycling Committee Meeting
    • Eastham Town Hall
    • The agenda is available on the town website.
  • Sep 14 @ 5pm : Energy and Climate Action Committee Meeting (Eastham Town Hall)
  • Sep 15 @ 5pm : Waste Reduction & Recycling Committee Meeting
    • Eastham Town Hall
    • The agenda is available on the town website.
  • Sep 19 : Household Hazardous Waste Collection in Orleans
  • Oct 20 @ 5pm : Waste Reduction & Recycling Committee Meeting