New Trash Regs in Place in July

By Adam Swift

The town is getting out the word about new trash regulations that will go into effect at the beginning of July.

At Monday night’s Town Council meeting, Town Manager Tony Marino said he has taped an informational video that will be played on WCAT about the changes. In addition, Marino said the town has sent out flyers to every household about the new trash regulations.

Residents will be able to put out one trash container and one recycling container per household, and will need to purchase special bags from locations throughout town to put out additional materials for collection.

“Even though it goes into effect on July 1, with the way the Fourth of July falls, people will get a little reprieve that first week with the holiday week,” said Marino. “So starting that following Monday, July 7, is when the strict rules will go into place.”

Although the new restrictions go into place in July, Marino said he expects there to be continuing education efforts for residents in July and August.

“We expect people will be upset and there will be some pushback,” said Marino. “But in July and August, we’ll have time to educate people in the process. The flyer has been mailed out to everybody, and there will be more on the town manager blog and social media.”

In other news, nomination papers are available for the fall town election.

Nomination papers for the Nov. 7 election are available in the Town Clerk’s office, and must be returned no later than Thursday, Sept. 19.

Positions up for election this year include the two-year term for Town Council President, one four-year term for Councilor-at-Large, and four-year terms for council in precincts 2, 4, and 6.

There are also three four-year terms for School Committee, two four-year terms for Housing Authority, and three four-year terms for Library Trustee on the ballot.

Town-wide offices need at least 150 certified signatures. Precinct races need at least 50 certified signatures.