Politics & Government

Bumps on Road to New Trash Rules

Haulers rejected 20 to 30 trash bags on the first day under the new three-bag limit.

Monday marked the start of new trash pick-up rules  — a three-bag limit to promote recycling in Swampscott.

Chairwoman Martha Dansdill surveyed the curbside Monday as she drove Essex, Burrill and Foster Pond areas.

She saw about eight rejections stickers. Most households with rejected bags called Health Office and arranged for a truck to return for the bags.

Find out what's happening in Swampscottwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

They also had to buy overthrow stickers.

The return-truck service will be available this week only, she said.

Find out what's happening in Swampscottwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The chairwoman said the committee did a lot of outreach to let people know the new rules were coming.

She thinks compliance will continue to improve in weeks to come.

"We expect some bumps in the road," Dansdill said.

Town Health Director Jeff Vaughan said most people put out an acceptable amount of trash on Monday. 

He estimated 20-30 bags were rejected.

Some whose trash was rejected said they didn't know about the new rules or the size of their barrels, Vaughan said.

Each household is allowed up to three bags or barrels of trash per week, according to the new regulations.

"All trash must be placed in either a 35-gallon barrel or less or a 30-gallon trash bag or less for pick up," the regulation reads.

On July 1, 2012, there will be a two bag or barrel limit.

The committee is promoting recycling for environmental and economic reasons.

The town picks up trash on a designated route Monday through Friday, except when there are holidays.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here