Newport council adopts 2025 Solid Waste Implementation Plan; Casella to continue SWIP work

The Newport City Council on Dec. 1 adopted the city’s 2025 Solid Waste Implementation Plan, a five‑year update required by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources to allow municipalities to dispose of waste in‑state. The council voted to authorize the mayor to sign the plan after a presentation by Kelly Gleason, environmental compliance manager for Casella Waste Systems.

The plan updates outreach and program requirements the state now requires, Gleason said, including digital and print communications, business outreach to 15 businesses and five municipal or facility contacts, and school outreach (in‑person contact with administrators or contracted food service providers). She noted a new year‑one requirement to adopt a disaster debris/staging plan by the end of 2026 to prepare for future flooding or other catastrophic events.

“​The solid waste implementation plan is required of all towns and cities in the state of Vermont, in order to dispose of waste in state,” Gleason said, and she described household hazardous waste events, textile collection sites and requirements for drop‑off locations within a 20‑road‑mile radius of the city.

Councilors and residents asked about Casella’s service contract, which Gleason said began late in 2021 and is renewed annually at $5,000; staff and Casella also noted a SWIP grant reimbursement of roughly $3,500 that offsets most of that fee because Casella prepares and files required paperwork on the city’s behalf. The council discussed who will attend required trainings and state events; Casella replied it will support the city and attend the accessible communications training, and that wastewater staff may attend residuals meetings.

Mayor Rick Ufford Chase said the council would sign the required documents after approval. The measure passed by voice vote.