Recycling Committee
Merrimac has programs covering: curbside recycling and trash collection, curbside white goods pickup, yardwaste drop-off, and hazardous waste collection. Visit the resources and links page for more information including: electronics and hazardous waste disposal. Use the links at right to access program information.
Recycling Bins
There are no more recycle bins available at Town Hall. Residents can purchase a bin at any store and affix RECYCLE stickers available in brochure holder outside Selectmen's Office.
Green Team
Merrimac Helen R. Donaghue School Susan Simmons’ 4th grade students actively assisted with their school’s ongoing recycling program and encouraged other students to participate. Students completed the Slash Trash lesson, wrapped holiday gifts creatively without using wrapping paper and expanded the recycling program to include milk cartons. Ms. Simmons stated, “I think these activities give the students a sense of how they can make a difference, and if everybody participates we can make a huge impact. I think it is important to instill a sense of stewardship for our earth in our students.” The students received the highest level Certificate of Recognition as “Environmental Eagles” and “Green Team” wristbands as a grand prize. Read more on the Green Team website: www.thegreenteam.org/pdf/GT_PrizeWinners_06-07.pdf.
Archives
Donaghue Fourth Graders Win 2005 Green Team Grand Prize
Local Students Receive Awards From The Executive Office Of Environmental Affairs And Department Of Environmental Protection For School Recycling Efforts
Merrimac - Susan Simmons' 4th grade class at the H. R. Donaghue School participated in a statewide educational program to reduce waste and protect the environment. The effort, called "The Green Team," is part of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA) and Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) statewide recycling awareness and education effort for Massachusetts's students.
The students created recycling signs then made figures out of recycled items to hold the recycling signs, which they placed throughout the school. They learned about their Town's recycling program and how they could help make a difference. They also tracked the trash generated in their home for one month, subtracting the amount of trash their family eliminated by recycling.
In addition, they found that joining The Green Team enhanced their study of natural resources in social studies. "These activities definitely increased the students' awareness of recycling," reported Ms. Simmons. "They began to make suggestions, such as using both sides of the paper when writing compositions. It was great to see them thinking of ways to conserve in the classroom."
Mrs. Simmons and the students completed all three levels of Green Team activities. Their commitment earned them a Certificate of Recognition as "Environmental Eagles", "Trash Terminator" bookmarks, and pencils made from recycled denim or currency from the D.E.P., as well as individual certificates of achievement from the Town's Recycling committee and "Earth" stress balls. The class also won the grand prize drawing and shared a recycling magic show by Peter O'Malley with the whole fourth grade at the Donaghue School.
"Governor Romney and I congratulate all the teachers and youth who worked so hard during the school year to raise environmental awareness in their schools, homes and communities through recycling, composting and other Green Team activities," said EOEA Secretary Ellen Roy Herzfelder. "These activities cut across all disciplines, from science and mathematics to reading, writing and even art. Everybody wins when we teach our youngest citizens to recycle."
For more information on The Green Team, please visit www.thegreenteam.org or call 617-292-5834.