Trash Proposal Enjoys Support at Hearing

More than a dozen speakers took the floor at a crowded public hearing Tuesday on a proposal to in town by charging $2 per bag for trash that exceeds the limit.

Most of the speakers at Town Hall said they support the changes.

Several of them said their positions were anchored by environmental concern and protecting future generations from pollution and depleted resources.

“We do not live on a planet that has infinite resources,” said Catherine Esteverena.

A few speakers who oppose the plan say they agree with the goal of waste reduction but not the means of getting there.

Tony Scibelli said he prefers that the town educate people on the benefits of trash reduction through greater recycling so people can make up their own minds.

He opposes a mandate.

“I think the approach is heavy handed,” he said.

Others thought the proposal wasn’t heavy enough.

Gerri Falco said she puts out one barrel a week for her entire family, and has done so for years by recycling all the items she can.

“I am in total support of reducing waste,” she said.

The Board of Health proposesto encourage recycling.

The first step would take effect Oct. 1 and allow free disposal of up to three trash containers per household each week.

The second step would take effect July 2012. Households would be allowed free disposal of two trash containers.

In either case, residents who exceed the limit would need to buy a $2 sticker to have each additional 30-gallon trash bag picked up. The sticker would be stuck to the bag.

The plan needs approval by the Board of Selectmen. They are scheduled to vote on it June 26.

Board of Health members Martha Dansdill and Larry Block said the proposal is a compromise two years in the making.

Originally they wanted a pay as you throw plan. Then they supported a limit of one container of free trash per household. And finally, they proposed the phased-in approach to limiting free trash disposal.

Ultimately, they want households limited to a single container of free trash disposal.

In the meantime, Block said 97 percent of the households in town throw away two containers of trash or less per week.

He estimates that less than 1,000 stickers will be bought each year.

Still, Kelli Khatib said the sticker requirement is an imposition, not just a financial burden but a burden on working people’s time — having to go to the place where the stickers are sold and buy them.

Here is an electronic version of a Q&A that the Board of Health handed out to the public at last night's hearing:

Board of Health

SWAMPSCOTT WASTE REDUCTION PROPOSAL

Q & A

Q:  Why is a Waste Reduction Program (WRP) being proposed?   With landfills closing and a moratorium on new trash incinerators statewide, waste disposal costs continue to escalate.  Implementing a waste reduction program makes good sense and is fiscally responsible. By asking residents to make a conscious effort to maximize recycling and divert materials from the trash stream, related trash disposal costs (paid through our taxes, per ton) are reduced significantly. This plan is not only responsible from a fiscal perspective; it is also beneficial for the environment and provides a good example for our children and future generations.  Additionally, a Waste Reduction Plan compliments Swampscott’s Green Community status.

Q:  When will this happen? How will things differ?  The Waste Reduction Plan will be phased in. Effective October 1, 2011, there will be a 3 container limit per household; and effective July 1, 2012 there will be a 2 container limit per household.  Containers are defined as a barrel up to a 35-gallon capacity or up to a 30-gallon trash bag, with a 50 pound limit per container. Trash bags may be placed in a large barrel for protection. Each 30 gallon bag is considered one container.

Q. What if I have more than the allowable limits?     By separating all recyclable materials from the trash, additional capacity above the container limits will seldom be needed. In other communities that have implemented a WRP, ONE container has been proven to be adequate over 95% of the time! 

    For overage trash generated, the Board of Health recommends that a sticker be available for purchase ($2) which may be affixed to a 30-gallon trash bag, indicating it may be collected.

Q. What about single stream recycling and weekly recycling and RecycleBank?   Single stream recycling collection is where all recyclable materials (all paper and commingled bottles and cans) can be placed in the same collection container for pick-up.  Currently, Swampscott has a dual stream recycling collection contract with Hiltz and we receive a stipend for our paper recycling. Switching to a single stream collection would increase our transportation costs and diminish our paper recycling revenue.  Single stream recycling, however,  should be considered whenever a new waste contract is negotiated.

      Weekly Recycling - With the savings generated from the proposed waste reduction program, the Board of Health will explore offering weekly recycling. Savings could also provide additional yard waste collections, discounted recycle bins or larger bins, etc.

     RecycleBank is a private company which contracts with municipalities and offers points/coupons for recycled material.  There are equipment and service costs associated with RecycleBank’s rewards program, that are in addition to a community’s collection contract.   

Q:  What if I have a bulk item like a couch, mattresses or other large item that won’t fit into a bag?    One bulky waste item will be allowed each week for free.

Q:  How will the Town deal with illegal dumping?    The Town will regularly monitor areas that have historically had dumping issues.  We encourage residents to report offenders. Fines will be issued to anyone illegally dumping waste, recyclable materials or yard waste.

Q:  Do other cities and towns in Massachusetts have WRP programs?  Yes!  Currently, there are approximately 140 municipalities in Massachusetts with either Pay-As-You-Throw or Waste Reduction Programs.  Local communities like Ipswich, Salem, Hamilton, Wenham, Malden, Topsfield and Gloucester have PAYT or WRP programs and many other communities are in the process of implementing one. Waste reduction programs have been embraced across the state, country, and in many other countries.

Q: Do I need to purchase a special recycle bin in or for recyclables to be collected?   No. Any container (no lid) clearly marked for recycling will be collected.

Q:  How can residents make this program most successful? 1) Recycle all materials accepted through the curbside collection program, 2) Donate useful items rather than throw them away, including bulky items, 3) Take advantage of electronics, metals, and hazardous waste collections, and recycling and take-back programs by retailers, 4) Be cognizant of ways to reduce waste.

Q:  Possible Scenario:  Some of my trash was not picked up and I received a rejection sticker.  What happened?   If you exceed the container limit/container size or did not use a sticker for overage, this trash will be rejected. Rejected trash must be removed from the curb or a fine will be issued. 

Q:  Where can I find more information? Who can I contact if I have any questions?   Check out the resources on the Swampscott Department of Health webpage or contact the Board of Health at 781-596-8864.

WHAT CAN BE RECYCLED CURBSIDE

Paper – Paper of all colors that can be torn.

• Brochures, catalogs, copy paper, envelopes, tissue rolls, file folders, junk mail, magazines, newspaper, paper bags, phone books, soft cover books, writing tablets, egg crates.
• Cereal, pasta, toothpaste, shoe boxes, aseptic juice boxes and milk cartons.
• Staples, paper clips, labels, and envelopes with plastic windows are OK.

Glass – Glass containers of any color. No auto glass, window glass, mirror or Pyrex.

Metal – Aluminum/tin/steel cans and aluminum, including aluminum foil, tins, empty aerosol cans, and pie plates. No bike/auto parts, hangers, paint cans, shelving or other metal items.

Plastic – All plastic containers and lids labeled #1 through #7. No plastic bags, Styrofoam, or containers with hazardous contents.

Corrugated cardboard – All unsoiled cardboard.