Town seeks drop-off site as trash program launches

This coming Monday, July 7, the town of Canton will officially make the switch to a new automated trash and recycling program, and town officials have been hard at work trying to educate residents about the new service while also ironing out any last-minute wrinkles.

One such wrinkle, involving the disposal of excess bulk items, surfaced late last week and is still in the process of being resolved, acknowledged Selectmen Chairman Victor Del Vecchio.

At issue was the location of the designated drop-off site — a small sliver of the Devoll Field parking lot on Pine Street. Abutting residents had noticed the fences being put up and immediately complained, citing environmental, aesthetic and safety concerns. Residents also took issue with the fact that they were not notified and questioned the legality of the structure being built in advance of a hearing with the Conservation Commission.

Ultimately, however, the neighbors’ concerns were heard as selectmen decided to pursue a different location for the disposal of bulk items.

“They raised legitimate concerns and selectmen tend to agree with them,” said Del Vecchio. “The current thinking is that we’re not going to use that location.”

Del Vecchio said the Pine Street site was never intended as a permanent solution and now will likely be scrapped altogether. In terms of a new location, he said the town is currently exploring alternatives and will alert residents when a viable drop-off site has been identified.

In the meantime, residents will still be able to place one bulk item per week on the curbside and can make arrangements with Republic Services to pick up additional bulk items by calling 1-800-222-5158 at least 72 hours in advance of collection.

In addition, Republic Services will collect old trash barrels and recycle bins on route over the next two weeks, and residents can also drop them off at the DPW garage through the end of July.

As for the new automated collection program, residents should have received two large carts — one for trash and one for recyclables — and they should be used for all curbside collection beginning Monday. Carts should be placed within three feet of the curb — and three feet apart from one another — with the arrow on the lid facing the street.

The collection schedule will not change, with trash being collected weekly and recyclables every other week according to the existing calendar.

The new system has been successfully implemented in several area towns, including Westwood, Norwood and Randolph, and it is “fast becoming a system of choice in Massachusetts with proven results,” according to selectmen.

The program is expected to reduce curbside litter, increase recycling, and cut disposal costs, thereby making Canton a “cleaner, greener and more sustainable community.”

“We realize this program is new and represents a change,” acknowledged selectmen in a letter to residents. “We are working closely with our vendor, Republic Services, and we are confident that this new approach will benefit our town’s finances and environment by increasing recycling. Please be patient, but do let Republic Services know if a problem arises so it can be addressed to your satisfaction.”

For more information about the new collection program, visit www.town.canton.ma.us or call Republic Services at 1-800-222-5158.

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=25937

Posted by Jay Turner on Jul 3 2014. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.