WESTBOROUGH – How will residents dispose of their trash and recycling?
Once the E.L. Harvey/Waste Connections facility is closed to the public in July 2024, residents may be using curbside, pay-as-you-throw, composting or a combination of programs.
During the Select Board meeting on May 9, the Waste Management Exploratory Committee presented its findings and recommendations.
Over the past several months, the committee explored programs in other communities and considered the pros and cons.
The committee recommended that the town “investigate a townwide curbside solid waste and recycling program and seek proposals from haulers.”
Pay-as-you-throw is also an option; in this program, residents purchase special bags to dispose of their trash, keeping it separate from their recycling.
Another recommendation – that the town should offer curbside composting. According to Katie Curtin-Meste, chair of the committee, “organic” waste such as food scraps is a major part of what’s being thrown out.
The board voted to accept the plan, and have the town manager begin the process to form a request for proposals for the curbside program.
“There would be a lot to work out,” said Town Manager Kristi Williams.
That includes how to fund the programs, including PAYT should the town decide to use it.
A preliminary timeline includes opportunities for community feedback in August and September.
There could be a presentation at this fall’s Town Meeting, if one is needed.
In January, E.L. Harvey/Waste Connections announced it was shutting off public access to its transfer station as of June 30, 2024.
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