Brentwood select board sets default 95‑gallon carts, directs staff to finalize automated-collection policy

The Brentwood Select Board voted to set 95‑gallon carts as the town’s default for both trash and recycling and directed staff to draft a formal procedure for switching from manual to automated collection and for handling exceptions and bulky‑waste pickup. The board asked staff to confirm with contractor Casella whether larger carts change the town’s costs, whether Casella will handle a resident mailing, and the price for additional barrels.

Why this matters: The decision affects how households receive service, who pays tipping fees, and how the town communicates and enforces collection rules while an ordinance (which would require a town meeting warrant for enforceable penalties) remains under consideration. The board discussed start dates, special exemptions for mixed commercial/residential properties, bulky‑item collection frequency, and how existing sticker programs will be phased out.

Board members opened the discussion by outlining two parallel tracks: (1) draft a town policy describing cart sizes, eligibility, special exemptions and bulky‑waste procedures that staff can implement without a warrant; and (2) reserve an ordinance and…