2011-09-26-TAR-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Trash and Recycling Collection Task Force Recommendations to Selectmen September 26, 2011 The Trash and Recycling Task Force met six times during the summer and September. These meetings included visiting two recycling facilities, observing automated street side collection and talking in depth with three vendors The charter of the Task Force specifies input on 6 policy issues. Task Force members are unanimous in supporting the following recommendations which we feel will provide enhanced service and value to residents while increasing the Town's overall recycling rate. 1) Single stream recycling collection We see little value in adopting a co- mingled, i.e. single stream recycling program. Only communities with low recycling rates seem to benefit from single source collection. We have reasonable compliance and a high recycling rate. Single stream collection would only decrease the value of the product we collect. 2) Multi -town regional collection bid No harm in trying, providing our RFP includes all the services and programs we specify 3) Automated refuse and recycling collection systems using totes. We see no benefit to the residents, particularly if we continue with dual stream recycling. Placing recycling in closed containers may lead to poorer accountability. Storing and moving totes may be problematic for some residents 4) Additional curbside yard waste pick -ups and other services a) Increasing the number of pick -ups to include two/ month April to September would be highly desirable and should be included in the RFP. b) In addition to increased curbside yard waste pick -ups the Task Force recommends and Curbside recycling of rigid plastic objects i.e. 5 gallon containers, certain toys Removing carpet from the trash stream by requesting that carpet be designated for recycling and the hauler accommodate special pick -ups of carpet in the same manner that white goods are managed. 5) Enhanced waste ban and mandatory recycling We recommend enforcement of mandatory recycling. The details of which should be worked out with input from the selected hauler. Enforcement of mandatory recycling should be accompanied by an education program and preceded by a grace period to provide time for residents to adapt to new procedures.