As a public service, we reprint a recent notice received from The Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay. Two on-line sources for these bags are  www.amazon.com and www.staples.com.

As many know, we now have single-stream recycling throughout Boston. This means you no longer have to separate paper and cardboard from cans and bottles. Instead, all recyclable materials can be mixed together in one container. Currently, that container is typically an open blue bin that allows loose materials to fly around on windy days.

Beginning in July, for all buildings with less than seven units, all recyclables should be placed in clear plastic bags for pickup on recycling day. All bags should be tied. This should significantly reduce  loose papers flying around the alleys. And, for those opening bags looking for returnable bottles, the use of clear bags will allow these people to see if there are in fact any bottles with deposits before they tear the bag.

For buildings with more than seven units, the law requires that the building provide residents with recycling programs using large 64-gallon carts. Many buildings currently use these for recycled materials.

The clear plastic bags should be a heavy-duty, 30-gallon size and are available at Back Bay Hardware on Newbury Street and Charles Street Supply. They are also available at Foodies in the South End and from a variety of online sources.

If you live in a building with less than seven units, please encourage your building to begin using clear plastic bags for all items to be recycled beginning in July. The result will be fewer rodents and less trash for Back Bay.

— NABB City Services Committee