To the Editor:

I appreciate Herb Rosenthal’s dedication to recycling and his many years of service to Newtown and the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority (HRRA). When I was first elected to the Legislative Council in 2005, Herb was First Selectman, and I am a better public servant today because of what I learned from his leadership and commitment to Newtown.

Recycling is a critical component of responsible waste management, and I fully support efforts to increase participation and education in our community.

To clarify my comments during the discussion with Newtown’s senior citizens, my intent was not to discourage recycling but to highlight the challenges posed by contamination in curbside bins. While clean, properly sorted recyclables are processed and reused, contamination remains a significant issue. Items such as broken or dirty glass, plastic bags, and food-soiled materials can disrupt the recycling process, increase costs, and ultimately result in less material, including glass, being successfully recycled.

Newtown remains committed to reducing waste and improving recycling efficiency. Initiatives such as food scrap composting, separate glass collection, and ongoing public education are important steps in that effort. However, acknowledging and addressing contamination is essential to ensuring the long-term success of these programs.

I encourage all residents to recycle correctly and take advantage of the programs available to help reduce waste and manage costs effectively. I appreciate the dialogue on this important issue and welcome further discussion on how we can strengthen our recycling efforts together.

Additionally, the Recycling Ad Hoc Committee, in collaboration with HRRA Executive Director Jennifer Heaton-Jones, has developed a recycling survey to help better understand Newtown residents’ recycling habits. This information will help leaders adapt and maximize recycling efforts while reducing costs for taxpayers. I encourage all Newtown residents to take the survey at hrra.org/information-newtown-sayt/ and share your input.

Jeff Capeci

First Selectman, Town of Newtown