Committee Explores New Ways To Throw Out Tiverton's Trash

The Tiverton Land Fill and Recycling Committee will hear a breakdown demonstration on how Tiverton could become a zero-waste community.

Phil Hadley of Hadley Anaerobic Digestive Solutions and a cost analysis showing how Tiverton could become the first zero-waste community in Rhode Island. Hadley will describe the process used to turn trash in to dollars, bringing down the cost of trash disposal for our community.

"I have been looking for solutions to our long-term trash problem," said Joe Sousa, a member of the Budget Committee and candidate for Town Council in the November election. "This could be an answer to our problem."

According to Stephen Berlucci, town Department of Public Works director, Tiverton is investigating options for trash disposal once the landfill, located next to the Town Farm Recreation Area, reaches capacity.

Berlucci was unsure when it would reach capacity, but said he expects an update at tonight's meeting. In March, Patch reported the landfill had about 80 feet of height left before it reaches maximum capacity. 

Town Manager James Goncalo predicted the closure would likely occur in 2014.

"We have been hearing from a lot of different people on how to handle things," said Berlucci. "We will listen to him and hear what he has to say." 

In May of 2011, the town enacted a pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) program to encourage residents to recycle more. Under PAYT, residents must dispose of their trash using red Tiverton trash bags. 

If trash is placed curbside and not in the PAYT bag, it will not be picked up.

Since PAYT was introduced last year Tiverton's recycling contribution jumped by 86 tons. From July 2011 through June 2012 Tiverton recycled 1,969.94 tons. In the previous fiscal year Tiverton recycled 1,883.94.

"I would hope to see more with a PAYT program, but it could be that Tiverton was already recycling as much as they could given the parameters," said Sara Kite, Director of Recycling Services at Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corp. "Keep in mind that in July we kicked off the new program where you can now recycle a lot more plastics. I would anticipate in the current fiscal year to see more of a jump because more materials canbe pulled from the waste stream."

The Landfill and Recycling Committee will meet tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Tiverton Town Hall, 343 Highland Road, Tiverton.