During the Selectboard meeting held on July 15, 2025, in Brentwood, NH, significant discussions centered around the town's waste management system, particularly the transition to automated collection and its financial implications for residents.

The meeting highlighted the costs associated with maintaining the current waste disposal system, estimated at approximately $6.06 per thousand dollars of property value, translating to about $24 annually for a $400,000 home. Concerns were raised regarding the disposal of existing waste barrels, with questions about whether residents would incur additional costs to dispose of these barrels as the town shifts to a new automated system. The discussion revealed that the disposal of old bins is a common challenge faced by municipalities transitioning to automated collection, with options for residents to either leave their bins for collection or drop them off at designated locations.

A notable point of contention was the cost disparity between the annual fee for curbside collection and the fee for additional waste barrels. The fee for an extra barrel was set at $245 per year, significantly higher than the $24 fee for standard service. This raised questions about the fairness of the pricing structure and the potential financial burden on households that may require additional waste capacity during peak times, such as holidays.

The meeting also addressed the broader implications of labor shortages in the waste management industry, with representatives noting that many companies are moving away from manual collection due to difficulties in hiring workers. This trend is pushing towns like Brentwood to adopt automated systems, which, while potentially more efficient, come with their own set of costs and logistical challenges.

In addition, the Selectboard discussed the potential for a dumpster at the town garage specifically for cardboard recycling. This initiative aims to reduce the volume of recyclables in the general waste stream and could provide a valuable outlet for residents dealing with excess cardboard, particularly during busy shopping seasons. However, it was clarified that this service would not generate revenue for the town, as the costs associated with pickup would be fixed.

Overall, the meeting underscored the complexities of waste management in Brentwood, balancing cost, efficiency, and community needs. As the town moves forward with these changes, residents will need to adapt to new systems and fees, while the Selectboard continues to navigate the challenges of waste disposal and recycling in an evolving regulatory landscape.