New Recycling Plan: Larger Containers, Every-Other-Week Pickup

Not that we're old dogs, but the Town Council is counting on us residents being able to learn a new trick in the coming year: putting out our recycling containers every other week instead of the weekly schedule we're accustomed to now. 

Why the change? It will save money. Specifically, it will save around $250,000 over five years, according to Public Works director Joe Duarte. And that includes the cost of the new containers – $237,000 – which will be amortized over five years.

"I think people are going to get used to it but originally it’s going to be complicated,” said Duarte after the Council voted 5-0 in favor of the new bid. The existing trash and recycling pickup contract expires in September.

Under the new plan, every household will get one new, 95-gallon recycle container with wheels and a handle. All a resident's paper, glass and plastic can go into that one container. Because of its size, it will be able to accommodate two weeks' worth of recyclables, so the town will save money on labor and transporation costs.

Still, town officials understand change of this sort won't be easy.

"Will it be complicated for some people at first? Absolutely," Duarte said. "So, you’re going to watch your neighbor, or you’re going to go online. We’ll try to give you a schedule so you’ll know what week on, week off. We’ll do our best to get you that information."

The change won't take place for at least three months. The company with the winning bid, Enviro-Safe Disposal/MTG Disposal, will need to order the containers, then they will need to be distributed. 

For town officials, this is a chance to turn the tide on typically rising costs. 

In addition to the cost savings from reduced pickup, officials said they hope residents will recycle more since the containers are so big. 

"Every ton of trash that goes into recycling, we save $32," said Town Manager Bill Sequino. "We pay roughly $32 a ton for a tip fee for litter. So the more we can divert [to recycling], double savings.”

"This really could be a very good benefit to the town," said Council President Michael Isaacs.