Residents Trash Toter Proposal

Residents talked trash about the proposed new toters during a public hearing at the Board of Selectmen's meeting tonight.

A major complaint concerned the size of the toters, which can accommodate 96 gallons of trash and recycling.

Residents said these large containers would be difficult for some seniors and people with physical limitations to maneuver.

Some said that the town's topography, with numerous winding narrow roads and long driveways, makes the toters, which are on wheels, impractical.

EL Harvey & Sons, the town's trash hauler, proposed using the toters for both trash and recycling. The system will save the company money and add efficiency, said B.J. Harvey.

One goal of the toters is to increase recycling and reduce the trash tonnage hauled to Wheelabrator, selectman David Ross said. 

The town's recycling rate is 33 percent, said Doreen DeFazio, temporary special assistant to the Town Administrator.  This represents a significant increase in a few years' time, she said, "but it would be great to get it to 40 or 50 percent.''

Allan Unger echoed many concerns when he questioned how he would be expected to haul the toter down his 54-foot driveway, particularly in icy conditions. That experience, he said, would be "somewhat treacherous.''

Daniel J. Pogorzelski, a member of the Department of Public Works Advisory Committee, said the town should not "inconvenience the seniors for the [benefit of] the rest of the town.''

DeFazio said some town residents would benefit from the toters. The efficiency would allow Harvey to get in and out of town faster, which ultimately benefits the town, she said. Others have said the lids on the toters would reduce blowing of trash and recycling.

Selectmen suggested offering two options, the 96-gallon toter and a smaller version, perhaps large enough to handle 32 gallons.

Selectman Christopher LeMay said choices would help better accommodate everyone's needs.  "We need to be flexible,'' he said.

Selectmen are scheduled to look at the issue again at their March 15 meeting.