Concord approves 9% increase to solid waste and recycling rates for FY27

The Town of Concord Public Works Commission voted June 10 to adopt a proposed FY27 solid waste and recycling rate schedule that increases most customer rates by roughly 9% beginning July 1, 2026.

The increase was presented by Aaron McClasco, interim public works director, who said the change reflects several new and higher costs built into the FY27 budget: an optional electric collection truck service for municipal properties estimated at $107,000, a monthly-billing administrative fee from the municipal light plant of roughly $83,000, contract cost inflation for Waste Management, and other town indirect costs. “The goal of Concord Public Works is to provide town subscribers with a solid waste and recycling program that’s efficient, environmentally sustainable, [and] cost effective,” McClasco said during the public hearing.

McClasco told commissioners the enterprise’s FY27 operating expenses are projected to rise about 12% compared with FY26, while the proposed customer rate increase is 9%; the budget delta reflects additional programmatic and administrative expenses layered on top of a roughly 4.5% contract increase for the contractor. Staff noted the town currently serves about 3,800 subscribers under the curbside collection program and that about 9% of customers have more than one cart.

Commissioners and members of the public pressed staff on the details behind the increases. Don Cupka, identifying himself as a member of the finance committee speaking on his own behalf, asked for a clearer breakdown of major cost categories; staff said tipping fees and processing account for a portion of the budget (solid-waste tipping budgeted at about $370,000 and recycling processing about $350,000 for FY27) but that the largest single expenditure is collection operations (about $1.2 million).

Staff also described program features intended to reduce waste and costs over time: the town’s pay-as-you-throw model, larger default recycling carts to encourage diversion, installation of solar-powered compacting public bins downtown and at parks, and plans to explore composting and other options during the next contract negotiation cycle.

On reserves, McClasco said the finance committee recommends maintaining two months of operating expenses in the solid waste/recycling fund. With the proposed 9% increase, staff projected an end-of-year fund balance of about $204,181—roughly 58% of the target—so the commission opted for a multi-year approach to restore the reserve rather than imposing a single, larger rate shock.

After public comment and discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the FY27 solid waste and recycling rate schedule as presented (memorandum dated June 5); the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

What’s next: The new rates take effect July 1, 2026. Staff said they will continue contract negotiations with Waste Management, pursue grant and vendor options for future services (including organics collection), and provide the commission updates on contract terms and any decisions to execute optional services such as the electric truck.

Votes at a glance

• Motion to open the public hearing on FY27 solid waste and recycling rates — moved by Commissioner Christine Reynolds; second recorded; hearing opened.

• Motion to close the public hearing — moved and seconded; hearing closed.

• Motion to approve the FY27 solid waste and recycling rate schedule as presented (memorandum dated June 5) — moved and seconded; adopted by voice vote.

Sources: Public presentation and Q&A at the June 10, 2026 Concord Public Works Commission meeting. All quotes and attributions come from meeting speakers recorded in the transcript.