Town approves new solid‑waste and recycling enterprise to start cart‑based curbside service

Town meeting approved Article 26 to create and fund the new Solid‑Waste and Recycling Enterprise and to initiate a townwide, automated cart system for curbside trash and recycling collection.

Presenters explained that the enterprise will centralize billing and move trash costs off the general tax levy so customers who use the service pay for it directly. Approved components include funding to begin purchases of carts, contract support for automated collection trucks and a temporary reserve while the program establishes its customer base. Officials emphasized benefits including safer automated collection, potential discounts through townwide contracting, and added downtown public trash services.

Proponents warned of potential consequences if funding were rejected: discontinuation of townwide collection, a shift to private subscription models without community discounts, or the need to reallocate other municipal funds (free cash, stabilization funds or tax dollars) to subsidize curbside services. Residents asked detailed questions about service tiers, container sizes (35‑ and 95‑gallon options), options for families that generate more trash, handling of leftover sticker inventories and information‑session schedules. Town staff said informational sessions had begun and materials would be posted online.

An amendment to delay the program start date to Aug. 1 was proposed and defeated in debate. Moderator Downey put Article 26 to secret ballot (ballot 20); the article passed following the count. Officials noted the implementation timeline will include customer signups, cart distribution and a first operational cycle to inform year‑two rate setting.