Bulk pickup to continue despite impasse with Republic Services
By Mike BergerPickup of bulk items and white goods will continue in Canton despite a Republic Services’ decision not to negotiate or come to a “middle ground” on the issue with the Board of Selectmen.
Selectmen were informed by Town Administrator Charlie Aspinwall last week that Republic Services wanted to suspend white goods and excessive bulk collection and is also looking to dispose of or incinerate items collected from residents’ recycling bins.
Aspinwall said Republic Services is facing increased costs because of the added trash/recycling tonnage generated by more people staying at home due to the current COVID-19 emergency orders. In addition, selectmen closed the Pine Street recycling facility, which houses large bins for bulk waste and white goods (major appliances).
Meanwhile, local supermarkets have also suspended collections of redeemable bottles and cans, causing a further increase in the recycling stream.
Regarding recycling, this is the second attempt by Republic Services to change the terms of the contract with the town, which runs until June 30, 2021. In July of 2019, Republic came to selectmen and requested more money for recycling, citing global factors that have driven up costs and the fact that there are no more major international markets to sell recycled materials. China, India and Indonesia, which once paid money for recyclables, have exited the market. Recycling, when first introduced, produced a profitable margin even for municipalities, but now costs the provider more money because of dwindling markets and the costs to collect the goods.
Resident Christine Smith, who has spearheaded several environmental projects in town and who called in to the remote selectmen’s meeting on March 31, questioned how Republic has the legal right or the justification to throw away or incinerate recyclables since there is a current state mandate for recycling.
Selectman John Connolly was upset that Republic Services would want to adjust a signed contract, which he said was negotiated in good faith by both sides.
Selectmen Chair Chris Connolly said with the closing of the Pine Street facility and the current emergency conditions, it isn’t fair to suspend bulk waste pickup.
As a compromise, the board agreed to use Selectman Mark Porter’s suggestion to limit bulk pickups to designated days of the month. However, Aspinwall informed Chris Connolly on Monday that Republic Services had rejected the compromise. This issue could resurface for discussion at the selectmen’s next meeting on Tuesday, April 14, at 5:30 p.m.
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Posted by Mike Berger
on Apr 10 2020. Filed under Uncategorized.
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