Coventry Proposes Modern, Money-Saving Recycle System

The Department of Public Works proposed a bond that would give the town its own modern sanitation fleet and new collection equipment.

The program would implement an automated trash and recycling effort that could save $137,885 over 20 years without an increase in taxes, said Kevin McGee, Director of Department of Public Works.

“This is a benefit to both the taxpayers and the employees,” he said.

Coventry based the projected budget numbers on the results of Harris, North Wood Estates and other towns that have implemented the automated collection system.

“Our projected savings numbers are on the conservative side and don’t take into account any revenue the Town will experience due to the sale of the current collection equipment and savings from potentially lower Worker’s Compensation premiums,” McGee said.

Sanitation Division employees would received improved working conditions and the decrease in their physical labor would allow them to work longer hours, McGee said.

Coventry currently spends about $365,000 annually on Transfer Station expenses, such as hauling, utilities, supplies and replacement bins. In the proposed project, new collection equipment would bring an increase in recyclables collected and an increase in profit sharing money from Rhode Island Resource Recovery, McGee said.

The town would receive nine automated sanitation vehicles, two used roll-off trucks, eight 50-yard dumpsters and 23,000 trash and recycle containers for households.

“The majority of the households will receive 64-gallon trash containers and 96-gallon recycle containers,” McGee said. “Smaller households may request a 48-gallon trash container and or a 64-gallon recycle container.”

Members of the community can vote on the Automated Trash/Recycling program, Bond Issue No. 8, on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock