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1. How do I dispose of a television or a computer monitor?

You may purchase a $30 Appliance/TV sticker at the Department of Public Works (DPW). Our hauler will provide a curbside pickup once a month (the first Thursday of each month); these stickers are available only at the DPW.

2. Whom do I call if I have a problem with my STEP sewer system?

Please contact the call center for Veolia at (800) 499-9070.

3. Whom do I call if there is a problem with my City-maintained Grinder sewer system?

Please contact the call center for Veolia at (800) 499-9070.

4. Whom do I contact if my trash and/or recycling was not picked up?

Please call JRM Hauling & Recycling at (800) 323-HAUL(4285), or the Department of Public Works (DPW) at (978) 325-5600.

5. Why is my water brown and what can I do?

Temporary discoloration of water may occur as iron particles are cleaned from the pipes. Although this discolored water is not harmful to your health, you should avoid use of chlorine bleach when washing clothes to avoid staining of laundry. Running the cold water tap for a few minutes is usually sufficient to restore the flow of clean water to your home. If water quality problems persist, residents should call the Utility Division at (978) 325-5600.

6. How do I dispose of alkaline and rechargeable batteries?

Disposing of General Purpose and Alkaline Batteries: Alkaline batteries can be safely disposed of with normal household waste. Due to concerns about mercury in the municipal solid waste stream, manufacturers have voluntarily eliminated all of the added mercury from alkaline batteries since 1993. Alkaline batteries are composed primarily of common metals such as steel, zinc, and manganese and as such, do not pose a health or environmental risk during normal use or disposal. It is important not to dispose of large amounts of alkaline batteries in a group. Used batteries are often not completely "dead." Grouping used batteries together can bring these "live" batteries into contact with one another, creating safety risks. Proven cost-effective and environmentally safe recycling processes are not yet universally available for alkaline batteries.

Recycling Batteries with Other Chemistries: Due to the chemicals in them, you should recycle rechargeable, lithium, lithium ion, and zinc air batteries. In addition to “traditional” rechargeable batteries like AAs or AAAs, rechargeable batteries like the ones found in everyday household items such as cameras, cell phones, laptops, and power tools should also be recycled. Look for the battery recycling seals on rechargeable batteries. These types of batteries can be brought to the Department of Public Works (DPW) or Home Depot for disposal.

7. There is a pothole on my street; whom do I contact?

You may call the DPW at (978) 325-5600 to report this, or visit the Online Citizen Request system.

8. Will chloramines affect the way I treat my swimming pool?

No. You will still need free chlorine residual to prevent algae and bacteria growth.

9. How does chloramines affect fish, reptiles, amphibians, crustaceans, and pets?

Owners of fish tanks, reptiles, amphibians, and crustaceans, including hobbyists, restaurants and fish markets, that now treat for chlorine in the water should have appropriate carbon filtration equipment or use water treatment products that neutralize chloramines.

All other pets, including dogs and cats, can safely consume chloraminated water.

10. Does letting the water sit for a few days remove chloramines from tanks or pond water?

No; unlike chlorine, which disappears when water sits for a few days, chloramines may take weeks to disappear.

11. Can I use chloraminated water to prepare my baby's formula?

Yes.

12. What can I do at home to help reduce fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from entering the sewer system?

* Never pour fats, oil and grease down the sink, garbage disposal, or toilet. * Pour fats, oil and grease (after it has cooled) into a container. Once the container is full, place it in the trash. * Before washing, scrape and dry wipe pots, pans, and dishes with paper towels. * Put baskets or strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps and other food solids and empty contents into the trash.* Minimize the use of garbage disposals.

13. Does the DPW sell compost bins or rain barrels?

The Department of Public Works (DPW) does not have rain barrels or composting bins available for sale; some suggestions include: Lowes, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and True Value.