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Council approves $44,000 MassDEP grant for household hazardous-waste program
Summary
The council approved authorization to expend a $44,000 Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection grant for Lawrence’s Sustainable Materials Recovery Program; staff described how the funds support household hazardous-waste Saturdays and noted disposal costs and future fee considerations.
The Lawrence City Council authorized expenditure of a $44,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for the city’s Sustainable Materials Recovery Program and heard staff describe how the funds are used for household hazardous-waste collections.
Why it matters: The grant funds cover disposal costs for items residents bring to scheduled household hazardous-waste Saturdays, including televisions, tires, paint and electronic equipment; staff said those disposal costs put upward pressure on the department’s budget.
The council considered item 201-25, which authorizes the $44,000 expenditure. Recycling Coordinator Silva, participating remotely, asked for the council’s support and said staff had sent the council a requested report the prior week. Silva said the grant recurs annually and requested approval to expend the funds.
City staff member Mr. Sherpa described how the money is spent on collection events that run from May through October. “The $44,000 really goes quick,” Sherpa said. “These funds are spent through our household hazardous waste Saturdays… residents can drop off televisions, tires, paint, electronic equipment, motor oil, etcetera. These items are very expensive when it comes to the disposal of these.”
Sherpa gave a specific example: “Just in dry paint alone… about 2 pallets of dry paint is about $5,000.” He said the program charges low fees for some items, sometimes waives fees for residents who cannot afford disposal, and operates at a loss for the city in order to discourage illegal dumping. “If we increase our prices, Lawrence being a city where we have a lot of issues, we are at risk of having more illegal dumping,” Sherpa said. He added that staff hope to increase state funding through a dividend program next year.
Councilors asked broadly how the funds would be spent; Sherpa reiterated they go to contractor disposal costs and event operations. No amendments or budget reallocations were recorded at the meeting. The chair called for the vote; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
(Ending) Staff said they would continue to operate monthly collection events while exploring additional state funding and possible fee adjustments; councilors did not request a follow-up report with specific fee proposals at this meeting.
