Ready for Some Trash Talk?

DEDHAM, MA. -- The Dedham Public Library, in partnership with the Dedham Department of Public Works, is launching a four and half-month long community exploration & exhibition called #TrashTalk. Beginning Feb 1st and running through June 15th, organizers hope to engage the public in a longer-term, more inclusive discussion around the issues of trash and recycling.

As DPL Library Director Bonnie Roalsen explains, “Dedham’s civic energy and talent are really impressive, but not everyone can make the typical evening meeting schedule. So, we’re pioneering this new approach, which offers an extended window of opportunity to allow everyone in the community to engage in a new kind of community-driven problem-solving.”

On the evening of Friday, February 1st from 5:30-7:30 p.m., the public is encouraged to attend the #TrashTalk soft opening event featuring trash-art galleries, interactive displays, information, conversation, and light refreshments. Over the course of the next few months, the library will continue the program with more art, engaging displays, and an "action wall”, which will crowd source ideas from the community to tackle this critical social and environmental issue.

While many citizens in Massachusetts are eager to recycle, the Commonwealth is wrestling with a vexing problem. While most citizens are making concerted efforts to increase recycling, trash is increasingly making its way into recycling containers. This contaminates recycling loads, which stops the processing of true recyclables, increases processing costs, and ultimately costs taxpayers more.

“We know that Massachusetts residents are committed to recycling, but many don’t realize that when they throw items that are not accepted for recycling in their recycling bins and simply hope that that they get recycled, they are causing more harm than good,” says Edward Hsieh, executive director of MassRecycle.

More information will be shared with the community on the DPL Facebook page & DPL website as the #TrashTalk exhibition progresses. #thisiscivicengagment #ofbyforall

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