HomeMy WebLinkAboutTrash & Recycling Collection Task Force Recommendations - Sep 2011 Trash and Recyclmg Collection Task Force
Recommendations to Selectmen
Septembei 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 supportmg the
followmg 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 contamers 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
• Curbside recycling of rigid plastic objects i e 5 gallon contamers,certain toys and
• 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
Associated with mandatory recychng we strongly recommend that the Selectmen reduce the number of
trash barrels allowed each household per week from 6(size)to 3 (size)barrels
6) Staying with the current system and re-negotiating with the vendor
The Task Force recommends that the trash hauling and recycling program be put out to bid t
., f
Policy Issues Current Practice Proposed**
Single Stream recycling Dual Stream Separation of recyclables Keep duel stream recycling
Multi-town regional collection bid No regional collection bid—stand No harm in looking into it as long as
alone in Lexington the RFP includes all the services and
programs we specify
Automated refuse and recycling Manual pick up of refuse and recycling Manual pick of refuse and recycling
collection system using tote collecting up to 6 bags oi barrels collecting up to 3 bags oi barrels(32
(32gallons)& 1 bulky item gallons)& 1 bulky item
Additional Curbside yard waste 12 weeks of curbside plus one week of Add 8 more weeks;2 in April and 2 in
collection days Christmas tree pick May,2 in June and 2 in September
Enhanced waste ban and mandatory We enforce the visible recycling ban, Continue to enforce the visible
recycling enforcement but have not enforced mandatory recycling ban and enforce mandatory
recyclmg recycling
Stay with current vendor oi go to bid We are in the last year of a 3 year Go out to bid
contract plus 2 one year extensions
New venues Include recycling of rigid plastics i e
5 gallon container,certain toys
Remove carpet from the waste stream
by requesting that carpet be
designated for recycling and picked
up in the same manner as the white
goods are picked up.
Include Lexington Housing Authority
iii Town's solid waste and recycling
program,by requesting an
add/alternate cost in the upcoming
RFP
Future projects Begin discussions regarding a possible
pilot program to pick up the Center
Business District recycling
**Bold and italicize are new
recommendations
-g