Recycling Toters Likely to be Sold, New Watertown Recycling Center Close to Opening

Additional recycling toters could soon be available for Watertown residents, but it will cost $180, said Watertown Public Works Superintendent Gerald Mee.

Since the new recycling program started in August 2012 some residents have complained that the 64-gallon recycling barrels - collected every two weeks - is not enough for all their recyclables. At the Town Council's Fiscal 2014 Budget hearing on Tuesday, Mee said that he thinks additional toters should be sold.

"I recommend we sell the toters to residents for $180," Mee said. "That includes distribution and tipping fee for the rest of the contract."

The contract lasts for five years, ending in April 2017, and Mee said residents may have to pay another fee for the new contract. 

Residents will not be able to purchase additional trash toters, Mee said.

Meanwhile, the new recycling center on Stanley Avenue has nearly been completed, Mee said. 

"We had hoped to open by week of June 3, but we wanted to get the public education out about the new center opening," Mee said.

Mee said he hopes it will open in the next few weeks.

The former recycling center had been operating in an area near the the entrance to Filippello Park off Grove Street. That shut down after complaints that it violated an agreement with state and federal officials that provided funds to help turn Watertown's old landfill into a park.