Newtown Legislative Council Discusses Curbside Recycling, Approves Grants

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Legislative Council addressed ongoing concerns about the discontinuation of curbside recycling during its July 16 meeting, as residents voiced frustration over transparency and the town’s recycling program changes.

During public comment, voters expressed confusion and distrust about the decision to end curbside recycling, a service in place since 1991. LeReine Frampton and Erica Canfield urged the council to consider a special appropriation to fund curbside recycling through the fiscal year and to put the issue before voters in the November election. They said many residents feel their voices have not been heard and called for increased transparency.

The council approved the minutes from its July 2 meeting and heard committee reports, including updates from the Ordinance Committee on curbside recycling, which has been under review for several years.

First Selectman Jeff Capeci provided updates on the Pay As You Throw program at the Transfer Station, noting the system is still adjusting to community feedback. He also reported progress on lease negotiations for town land and efforts to address water shortages that impact local development.

Finance Director Glenys Salas presented a recap of the recent Government Finance Officers Association National Conference, highlighting new guidelines affecting municipal budgeting and grant management.

On new business, the council unanimously approved a $5,000 grant from the Union Savings Bank Foundation to support the Newtown Community Center’s after-school program. They also adopted a new grants and gifts procedure to ensure proper tracking and review of all financial assistance received by the town.

The council approved returning $170,660 in unused funds from the Community Center HVAC project to the capital/non-recurring fund.

A key vote forwarded recommended amendments to Code Book Chapter 199, Solid Waste, to a public hearing. The proposed changes remove the town’s mandate to provide recycling pickup, reflecting ongoing efforts to revise waste management policies. Council members emphasized the years of meetings and public notices related to the ordinance revision.

Additional public comments questioned the cost increase attributed to curbside recycling, with some residents disputing claims that prices had doubled.

The meeting concluded at 8:44 p.m.