HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-09-26-TAR-min 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
Curbside recycling of rigid plastic objects i e 5 gallon containers, 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 recycling 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