Swampscott plans to adopt recycling carts to address coastal waste issues

Coastal communities are feeling the pressure to improve recycling efforts, and the Town of Blackstone is no exception. During a recent Board of Health meeting, discussions highlighted the urgent need for municipalities to transition to cart-based recycling systems to combat litter and inefficiencies in waste management.

A representative from a waste management company noted that towns like Swampscott, Beverly, and Gloucester are already moving towards using carts for recycling, citing the chaos caused by loose recycling blowing around. "Their recycling blows all over the town. It's a complete nightmare," the representative stated, emphasizing that Blackstone is aligned with this trend.

The meeting also addressed the challenges of implementing a pay-as-you-throw system, which aims to reduce waste but can complicate curbside collection. The representative pointed out that the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) advocates for 35-gallon carts, but this can lead to increased overflow and require drivers to exit their trucks more frequently, counteracting efficiency goals.

In terms of financial support, the town was informed about potential grants from the Recycling Partnership, which offers $16 per household for recycling cart purchases, although no funding is currently available for trash collection. The discussion also touched on the importance of optimizing waste management contracts to alleviate budget pressures, suggesting that removing free bulk pickups could lower costs.

Looking ahead, the representative shared insights on the future of waste collection, including the potential for electric vehicles (EVs) in municipal contracts. With a goal of having 50% of new truck purchases be electric by 2028, the company is exploring feasibility studies for towns interested in sustainable options.

As Blackstone navigates these changes, the emphasis remains on enhancing recycling efficiency and reducing environmental impact, aligning with broader trends in waste management across the region. The town's proactive approach positions it well for future developments in recycling and sustainability.