WESTFORD — Your trash hauler will change in February — but don’t worry, your pick-up day will stay the same.
The Select Board unanimously voted to authorize the Town Manager to sign a five-month contract with E.L. Harvey from Feb. 5 to June 30.
Acme Waste Systems, which has provided solid waste collection for Westford since 1989, did not submit a proposal to renew its contract beyond June 30.
The town initially received proposals from Waste Management and Republic Services but sought new proposals amid high costs and budgetary concerns in FY25 and beyond. Officials received a third proposal from E.L. Harvey, with contract negations later authorized during an Oct. 24, 2023 meeting.
“Due to matters beyond our control, Acme Waste has informed us verbally that they will no longer be able to pick up solid waste in Westford after Feb. 2,” Town Manager Kristen Las told the Select Board.
She added, “after I heard that news, we went to E.L. Harvey to see if they would be available to provide some waste collection.”
E.L. Harvey offered officials a proposal that is “quite a bit higher” than what it currently pays with Acme Waste Systems. The town currently pays $64,492.25 per month for collection. In this new proposal, the town will pay $140,000 a month for collection.
“They lead that to the quick ramp-up time, they will be renting vehicles because the vehicles they have for Westford will not be available until closer to July 1 and they’re going to be a step-in opportunity,” she said.
Las did note her office has reviewed the town’s contract with Acme Waste Systems with legal counsel.
“There would be some opportunities through that contract that we are going to pursue,” she said.
This contract is contingent on appropriated funds from the town. The town has funds available for solid waste collection through the end of March. Remaining funds would be remedied through either the Acme Waste Systems contract or through a Town Meeting vote.
“We would not have a deficit through the end of March,” she said.
Las did note that though pick-up days will remain the same for residents, their pick-up times may change.
“Their days of the week will stay the same. The times may change, but we will include all of that in a press release,” she said.
This change does not impact residents’ recycling schedules, as Waste Management remains the town’s recycling vendor through June 30.
