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Select Board backs concept of trash‑disposal coupons for eligible residents, asks for policy draft
Summary
Members supported a proposal to give half‑ton transfer‑station coupons to eligible General Assistance recipients to help clear nuisance properties, while raising questions about eligibility, caps, exclusions and budget impacts; staff will draft a one‑page policy for the next meeting.
The Bridgton Select Board on July 9 discussed a proposal to provide transfer‑station coupons — a half‑ton of disposal credit — to residents eligible for General Assistance to help them remove accumulated trash and discourage illegal dumping.
Supporters said the coupons would be a proactive tool for code enforcement and public health: staff could offer a coupon to a resident with an overgrown or junked property instead of initiating legal enforcement that can become costly. "It's a way to ... discourage people just to drive down some back road and dump," one member said, arguing the program would reduce enforcement and cleanup costs.
Board members asked staff to define eligibility, caps and exclusions. Participants suggested limiting coupons to household trash (excluding construction debris and mattresses) and considering an annual cap or budgeted allocation so the program does not consume transfer‑station revenue. At one point a board member noted a current half‑ton disposal fee of $150, which frames the town’s potential subsidy cost.
The town manager said a longer proposal exists in the packet and recommended staff produce a concise one‑page policy that lists eligibility, excluded items and administrative steps for review at the next meeting. Board members also asked staff to research whether neighboring towns run hazardous‑waste collections or similar regional programs that could be combined with Bridgton’s effort.
No formal vote was taken; board members signaled general support and directed staff to bring a refined policy and cost estimate to a future meeting.
