Are you practicing good social distancing techniques? With many of us spending more and more time at home lately, we seem to find the time now to tackle those projects around that house that we put off for so long. Maybe you attempted to increase your curb appeal. Or you used your time to do some spring cleaning. In either case, your trash cans might be overflowing at the moment. If you need to bring trash to the dump, you’re in luck. The Westfield Conservation Center recently opened back up to the public. However, for now, they only accept trash on Thursdays and Fridays.
Westfield Conservation Center
The City recognizes a need for the conservation center to open back up. But they also want to keep their workers safe by practicing social distancing. To do so, they must stagger their shifts. Yesterday (April 16th), the center opened its doors back up to the public. But people found themselves waiting in long lines to get in. A few hours in, the City suspended their online sales of dumping permits. About an hour before closing, cars thinned out enough to allow online sales to continue.
For the foreseeable future, Westfield Conservation Center hours for residential dumping are restricted to Thursdays and Fridays from 9 am to 2:30 pm. They temporarily put food waste, plastic toys, household bulk waste, and mattress drop-offs on hold. But all other recycling can still be dropped off for free.
How to Get a Permit
With limited staffing in place, you may only buy your annual permit online. It costs $60 for the year. Be aware, however. In times of high volume at the center, the City may temporarily suspend sales of permits online. Just check back later in the day to see if they become available again (like they did on opening day). Once you pay for and print your permit, make sure you keep your paper copy with you to show the staff at the center. For a complete list of acceptable recyclable materials for free drop-off, please visit the Westfield Conservation Center’s website here.