SHREWSBURY – Casella Waste Systems, Shrewsbury’s new trash hauler, will start service on July 1.
To inform the public about the new vendor, Solid Waste and Recycling Program Manager Gosia Stolarska went before the Select Board on Feb. 27. Kyle Orr, who represented Casella, and Communications Coordinator Taylor Galusha joined Stolarska.
“We would like to let residents know what’s happening, what’s been happening in the last few months behind the scenes, [and] what they can expect in the next few months,” Stolarska said.
Casella is introducing weekly, single-stream recycling to town. Shrewsbury’s recycling is currently split into two streams — mixed paper/ cardboard and commingled glass, plastic, and metal containers. Beginning July 1, everything should be placed in the same bin.
In another change, Shrewsbury will be providing residents with 64-gallon wheeled recycling carts. The dark blue carts, which have the town’s logo on the side, will be equipped with RFID tags that will enable the town to track the weight of the cart. Stolarska said the tracking would not begin immediately.
The carts will be owned by the town, must stay on the resident’s property, and must be used exclusively for recycling. Every residence that participates in curbside collection can expect to get a cart between June 3 and June 28.
Casella will be using an automatic arm to empty the bins. Stolarska stressed during the presentation that the placement of the carts is “very important” — the carts must be placed three feet from the curb and any other obstacles. Orr said that Casella understands that the adjustment might be difficult at first and noted that the company will be lenient during the transition.
Casella has an average customer-service response time of 11.7 seconds. The company also has Saturday customer support hours from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., which can be helpful when pick-up is delayed. Casella’s ReCollect app gives users convenient access to schedules, recycling information, and notices about delays.
The town is offering several opportunities for residents to learn more and ask questions between now and the end of June.
Shrewsbury will hold three formal presentations — April 23 (virtual), May 14 (virtual), and June 13 — as well as several different “drop in” sessions designed to help answer quick questions from residents.
“We’re just really excited to get to talk with the residents about these changes and answer any questions they may have,” said Galusha.
The town’s pay-as-you-throw trash program will remain the same. Stolarska said Shrewsbury will be increasing the thickness of the bags due to complaints from residents.
