09/22/2008 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

4 Board of Selectmen Minutes September 22, 2008 APPOINTMENTS &HEARINGS: DPW Director: PM As You Throw Discussion: In the Pay As You Throw program(PAYT),residents are charged for the collection of municipal solid waste (ordinary household trash) based upon the amount that is thrown away. This creates a direct economic incentive to recycle more and to generate less waste, a new approach to solid waste management. The Selectmen have been discussing the concept of the PAYT for the past year and agreed to further review the positive and negative bearing of the program. The Board related concern with respect to illegal dumping and the impact to residents by charging a fee for the waste that is generated. Traditionally, residents pay for waste collection through property taxes. This is the last year of a five-year contract with the local contractor for the operation of the Transfer Station. The Pay As You Throw program if instituted would affect the contract and general operation of the facility. Motion made by Selectman Cook to form a subcommittee comprised of Selectmen representatives Myers and Green to review all of the alternatives for waste collection which include status quo,PAYT and curbside collection Scenarios. Motion seconded by Selectman Cahalane. VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0. It was agreed the subcommittee would give a report to the full Board of Selectmen by the first meeting in December 2008. It was noted that over 120 communities in the State of Massachusetts participate in the PAYT program. State grant funds are available to provide technical assistance and funding for the implementation of the program.