Plastic – The Problem that Won’t Go Away

From “Plastic pollution: facts & figures” by Surfers Against Sewage (sas.org.uk):

• Plastic kills over 100,000 marine mammals and 1 million sea birds each year.
• Over 1 in 3 fish caught for human consumption now contains plastic.
• Producing 1 ton of plastic generates 2.5 tons of CO₂.
• The world produces 400 million tons of plastic every year, a figure likely to triple by 2060.
• Only 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled.
• 11 million tons of plastic enter the ocean annually—equivalent to 2,000 garbage trucks dumped every day.
• By 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the oceans.

What Happens to Plastics in Eastham?

When plastic is thrown in the trash, Eastham pays to transport and dispose of the items at SEMASS. When the plastic item is recycled, a vendor picks up the plastic at the transfer station at no cost to the Town.

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What’s Accepted in Eastham?

The Town of Eastham accepts Plastics 1 – 7 for recycling at the Transfer Station. The Plastic code number can be found within the triangle on the item.

Your well-rinsed #1 & #2 plastics dropped off at the Eastham Transfer Station Recycling container are almost always recycled!

From the article “A Tale of Two Recycling Systems” in the Provincetown Independent on April 23, 2025:

The idea that plastic recycling is pointless is a myth, though, (Kari) Parcell said. Once you narrow a stream down to recyclable plastics, she said, about 80 percent of the material is reused.

What’s Not Accepted in Eastham?

• Plastic bags, plastic wrap can be taken to the grocery store;
• Rigid plastics such as laundry baskets, lawn chairs, toys, plastic bins).
• Black plastic food service trays should be placed in the trash because they are missed by optical sorters at recycling sorting facilities and will either end up in the trash or contaminating other materials.
• Plant pots & trays (plastic) are made from a variety of plastic resins and are often dark colors, so put them in the trash. White pots also go in the trash. There is such a wide variety of sizes and resin types with pots that they likely will NOT be recycled. Some garden stores will take the trays back. The pots may be welcome at the Swap Shop, depending on current inventory.
• Clear plastic cups. Colored plastic cups go in the trash.

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Plastic Free July

Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages people to reduce single-use plastics through simple everyday choices. Eastham residents can participate by using reusable shopping bags, water bottles, coffee cups, and food containers, or by saying “no thanks” to items like plastic straws, utensils, and produce bags when they are not needed.

Plastic Free July isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making small changes that add up over time. Even swapping one habit for the month can help reduce waste and create lasting impact.

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

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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!

• Read the ECAC’s Catch the Wave 6
• Breaking up with Single-Use Plastics
• Cape Cod, MA Boat Shrink Wrap Recycling Program Continues Regional Impact

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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
• Jul 13 @ 5pm : Energy and Climate Action Committee Meeting (Eastham Town Hall)
• Jul 21 @ 5pm : Waste Reduction & Recycling Committee Meeting
  • Eastham Town Hall
  • The agenda is available on the town website.
• Jul 31 : Last day for Boat Shrink Wrap Collection
• Aug 1 @ 9am-1pm : Cape Cod Latex Paint Take-Back Day
  • www.townofbourne.com/paint
  • Tony Kent Arena, 8 South Gage’s Way, Dennis
• Aug 18 @ 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
  • Orleans Transfer Station
  • www.loveyourlocalwater.org