Changes Coming to Recycling Fees

Selectmen approved changes to the price structure of use of the Cyr Recycling Center Monday night for the next fiscal year.

Residents will pay $10 for an annual fee, up from $7. Seniors will still pay $7.

The big changes will come for landscaping contractors.

"There is encroachment on both resource areas and the adjacent recreation areas," North Andover Division of Public Works Director Bruce Thibodeau said in requesting the changes. "More importantly, the volume from commercial landscapers is an issue because there is no limit or charge for leaves and grass cuttings for landscape contractors to dispose of these at the facility."

So now, a commercial landscaper will pay a $750 annual fees for the first truck, $250 for each additional truck and $250 a year for each trailer.

And there will be an additional charge for brush and tree debris.

"This step has now become necessary as the site is rapidly running out of room for just stockpiling incoming material," Thibodeau said. "The operation is starting to encroach on walking trails and the athletic fields that share the site with the Recycle Center."

Other towns nearby have strict guidelines, which may lead to more businesses using the Cyr Recycling Center. In Andover, no brush is accepted, residents pay $25 a year and commercial businesses pay $1,000 a year. And businesses must be based in Andover. Methuen charges residents $25 and commercial businesses $1,000 for first vehicle and $100 each additional, with a three vehicle limit. And those businesses must be Methuen-based.

For complete details on the new plan and specific load rates for businesses, visit the town website.