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Danvers DPW reports modest trash reduction after cart rollout; curbside composting pilot proposed
Summary
The town’s recycling coordinator said the automated cart program reduced trash by 4.6% and raised recycling 5.8% (2019–2024). The DPW has applied for a MassDEP grant to launch a residential curbside compost pilot if funded — expected February 2026.
Erica Bisconti, Danvers’ recycling and energy conservation coordinator, told the Select Board Tuesday that the town’s recent standardized cart program led to modest waste-diversion gains and described next steps for composting and expanded drop-off events.
Bisconti said the “modified smart” cart rollout — townwide 65‑gallon trash carts and 95‑gallon recycling carts installed after the town’s automated hauling contract — used 2019 as the baseline year. Comparing 2019 to calendar year 2024 (the first full year with carts), she said townwide trash tonnage decreased 4.6% while recycling increased 5.8%.
On composting, Bisconti said Danvers submitted a MassDEP sustainable materials recovery municipal grant application on June 2 to fund collection carts and starter kits for a residential curbside compost pilot. If the town receives the award this fall or winter, implementation is expected in February 2026; Bisconti estimated the action at about 20% complete because planning and the grant application are underway. MassDEP estimates that about 21% of curbside trash is food waste, she said.
Bisconti also summarized the town’s drop-off and special collection events. Danvers currently runs many recycling drop-off events (she cited roughly 20 events annually) that accept textiles, electronics, rigid plastics and other hard-to-manage materials; the town also runs an annual household hazardous waste event and has piloted styrofoam and composting pumpkin collections.
Select Board members asked how condos and multi-unit buildings are covered; Bisconti said curbside collection and the cart rollout apply to single-family homes and curbside customers and that multifamily buildings of more than four units are not included in the town’s residential curbside program. She said requiring condos and apartment buildings to recycle is an action item the DPW is considering but had not prioritized yet.
Board members also asked about whether curbside composting would save money; Bisconti said food waste is heavy and could lower disposal tonnage and transfer-station costs if diversion scales up. The DPW pointed to comparable programs in nearby Salem and Beverly as models the town is studying.
Bisconti asked residents to follow the DPW website for program updates and to watch for grant-award notifications later this fall or winter.
