HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-07-06 Solid Waste Action Team (SWAT) - Charge and Dissolution
SOLID WASTE ACTION TEAM
Lexington boasts the first-in-the-state curbside recycling program. Lexington set the
pace with household hazardous product collection and is now hosting the state’s first
permanent household waste collection station. Our integrated pest management program
in the public schools is a model for the state and nation. Our town is synonymous with
good environmental planning and policy.
A new challenge awaits us. In 2005, our contract with Wheelabrator for the incineration
of our municipal solid waste expires. What are we going to do with our trash after that?
Incineration as we’ve known it is not the answer. It produces dangerous toxins in its
emissions and ash. Landfills throughout the state have been closed because of
groundwater contamination. We – and every community in the state, indeed the nation –
need a new approach to waste disposal.
Given the expertise in this town and our record of setting the pace in sound and cost-
effective waste management policies, we herewith appoint a standing Lexington Solid
Waste Action Team (SWAT) to shape a waste management policy for Lexington. The
Committee, to be chaired by Jill Stein, shall make recommendations to the Board of
Selectmen by March 30, 1999.
We ask that the Committee take a holistic approach in considering, among other things:
1.Ways to increase participation in our curbside recycling program and our
hazardous waste collection;
2.Complementary pollution and waste minimization strategies for households and
businesses in Lexington;
3.The health effects of waste management choices;
4.The cost and cost-effectiveness of all waste management options open to us,
including the hidden costs of health and environmental impacts;
5.Ways to increase public awareness of – and responsibility for – waste; and
6.Opportunities for regional cooperation (including, but not limited to, the other
NESWC communities).
We also invite the committee to suggest ideas for possible inclusion in the state’s solid
waste master plan and/or legislative action at the state or federal level.
Adopted by the Board of Selectmen on July 6, 1998.
Dissolved April 4, 2005.