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Sharps and overflowing cans spur Johnson to evaluate trash pickup, sharps containers and village partnership
Summary
Following reports of hypodermic needles and piled dog‑waste bags in parks and public cans, the select board asked staff to assess four options: provide sharps containers and PPE, get quotes from private haulers, negotiate village pickup in trade, and remove an underused garage dumpster to offset costs.
Board members raised safety concerns after reports of biohazardous items (needles) and uncollected trash at Old Mill Park and other public sites. Staff suggested immediate steps to reduce risk: installing secure sharps containers at problem locations, posting signage, and ensuring public‑works crews have appropriate PPE. ‘‘I wouldn't disagree with that in the least — a sharps container would be an additional level of insurance,’’ a board member said.
The board asked staff to gather costs from private trash haulers, explore a village agreement to pick up certain cans in return for other services, and evaluate removing a monthly dumpster at the town garage to offset fees. Members also discussed possible one‑time cleanups and whether the highway crew should resume routine pickup with adequate PPE. Staff will report back with price estimates and recommendations.
