Show All Answers

1. Does Natick have a stormwater program and why?

Yes, Natick has a stormwater program. For more information please visit the What is Stormwater page.

2. Does stormwater go to a treatment plant?

No. Unlike wastewater, which is treated, stormwater goes directly into a community's streams, rivers and lakes. Because stormwater comes in large amounts at unpredictable times, treating it as wastewater would be very expensive. However, there are Best Management Practices (BMPs) that can reduce the impact of stormwater.

3. How do I add an irrigation meter?

For information on adding an irrigation meter, view the Irrigation Meter Information.

4. My trash or recycling was not picked up today, what should I do?

Occasionally residents’ trash or recycling is overlooked and we miss picking it up. If this situation occurs for you, simply call the Department of Public Works as soon as you notice at 508-647-6550, and we will send someone back out as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.

5. What are the stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs)?

Best Management Practices (BMPs) can be defined as practices, schedules of activities, maintenance procedures, and structural or other management decisions that have been found to be the most effective and practical means to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants into the environment.

BMPs can be structural including wet and dry detention ponds, bioretension areas, oil or water separators and constructed wetlands. Or they can be non-structural, such as pollution prevention programs and public education.

6. What are the hours of the recycling center and where is it located?

The recycling center is open Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. - Noon and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. It is located on West Street next to the high school football field.

7. What can citizens do to ensure pollutants are not carried off by rainwater?

The residents of Natick can help keep the stormwater clean by doing some of the following:

• Dispose of wastes properly
• Use the minimum amount of chemicals on your yard
• Do not fertilize prior to rain and only use the proper amount
• Keep your car well-maintained

All of these can reduce the amount of pollution that you add to stormwater runoff and our rivers and streams. You can also route the flow from your impervious areas to natural areas on your property to help reduce the quantity of storm water runoff. Or, add rain barrels below your gutters to harvest rain for watering your plants. This will help infiltrate water back into the ground instead of running off into the streams.

8. What can I put out for recycling pickup?

Items such as glass bottles or jars, tin, steel, aluminum, plastic containers, and milk and juice cartons can be put out for pickup and must be placed in a recycling bin.

Items such as newspaper, magazines, books, paper bags, envelopes, and office paper can be put out for pickup but must be placed in a paper bag next to the bin.

Corrugated cardboard can also be picked up but it must be flattened and broken down to 2 feet x 2 feet.

No pizza boxes, plastic bags or soiled paper will be picked up.

9. What is stormwater?

Information about what stormwater is can be found on the Natick What is Stormwater webpage.

10. What problems can stormwater cause?

Stormwater can cause quality and quantity problems. It picks up anything in its path and delivers it to our water resources: streams, rivers and lakes. Pollutants including oil, yard waste, fertilizers, litter and sediment can create stormwater of poor quality that can harm our streams, wetlands and other resources.

Too much stormwater is also harmful. In an area with natural ground cover, grass, trees, etc, only 10% of the rainwater runs directly into the streams. The other 90% is absorbed or evaporates. In urban areas, up to 55% of rainfall can become stormwater runoff. This increased runoff in urban areas can cause flooding, erosion and property damage if not wisely managed.

11. When are my recyclables picked up?

Recyclables are picked up by the town every other week on the same day as your trash. If you are unsure of your recycling schedule call 508-647-6562 or 508-647-6550. Recycling calendars are mailed out each year and additional ones can be picked up at the Department of Public Works.

12. When is curbside yard waste collection?

The Town of Natick, Department of Public Works, announces the Fall 2014 curbside Yard Waste Collection Schedule.

Yard waste will be picked up the Monday following your scheduled trash day. Residents are also reminded that yard waste must be in paper biodegradable bags or in trash barrels clearly marked “Yard Waste.” Plastic bags will not be collected.

Yard waste can also be brought to the Recycling Center throughout the year. The Recycling Center is open Thursday and Friday 8 a.m. - 12 Noon, Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

For information visit us online or call Natick Department of Public Works at 508-647-6550.

13. When is my trash picked up?

Your trash is picked up at curbside once each week; the collection day depends on where you live. If you don’t know which day, call 508-647-6562 or 508-647-6550.

All trash needs to be placed at curbside by 7 a.m. on the pickup day, as the trucks will not return for any trash that was not already out. Please be careful if you put trash out the night before, animals may tear open bags or get into trash barrels during the night, and collectors can not pick up trash that is not in a specially-marked trash bags.

These bags are available at several local retailers. Unaccepted material will be left at curbside.

14. Where can I get a recycling bin?

Recycling bins can be picked up at the Department of Public Works.

New residents are given 1 bin free. Additional recycling bins are available for purchase.

The color choices are blue or green.

A 35 gallon bin will cost $40, a 64 gallon bin will cost $50 and a 96 gallon bin will cost $60. With purchase, bins will be delivered free of charge.

15. Who should I call if a street light is out?

Call Natick Department of Public Works at 508-647-6550 or email the department.