WESTFORD — Several solid waste and recycling changes are in store for Westford as ACME Waste Systems discontinues service for residents.
E.L. Harvey was selected as the town’s new solid waste and recycling hauler after the Select Board unanimously authorized the Town Manager’s office to sign a contract with the company during an Oct. 24, 2023 meeting.
The proposal came as officials sought cost-effective bids amid increased service costs.
Changes to solid waste
The contract allows residents to continue using their existing solid waste and recycling bins — residents are not required to purchase new bins at this time.
“What they see at home won’t change,” Assistant Town Manager for Strategic Operations Mike Edwards told WestfordCAT. “Pickup days will remain the same.”
However, Edwards notes that pickup times with E.L. Harvey could change.
“As for the pickup times, we just don’t know,” he said. “We want to ensure people have their waste out by 7 a.m.”
Waste will also be limited to three containers. Residents may use either a 96-gallon barrel suitable for automated collection or up to three 32 to 35-gallon barrels. Barrels used for manual collection must be under 50 pounds.
“We’ve had a three-barrel limit, but there wasn’t much enforcement of our policies,” he said.
He added, “We didn’t want to make any decisions around barrels or cart types until we know what we’re doing over the next two years,” he said. “We’ll be looking at that over the next year and see how those changes may figure into this.”
Edwards says the town is also exploring pay-as-you-throw, but no decision has been made on a program at the time of reporting.
Changes to recycling, bulk items
Residents will still enjoy unlimited recycling, with collection slated to continue on a biweekly basis.
Residents looking to dispose of large goods will see changes to the bulk item program.
White goods — such as televisions and bulk metals — will no longer be collected. The Town Clerk’s office will no longer sell stickers for these items as of July 1.
Residents who wish to dispose of previously collected items should contact E.L. Harvey directly for a pickup.
The price of bulk items stickers will also increase to $15, as the current $5 sticker will be discontinued. Residents who previously purchased a $5 sticker may return it to the Town Clerk’s office for a $5 credit toward a new sticker.
Residents may dispose of one item per week with a valid sticker. Items must weigh less than 50 pounds.
Alternative options for solid waste disposal
Alternative options are available for residents to reduce their solid waste. The town has partnered with Bootstrap Compost through Nov. 30 to provide discounted commercial compost pickup for households.
Additionally, the highway department continues to sell Earth Machine compost bins for $25. Two composting demonstrations, hosted by the Recycling Commission, will be held at 39 Main St. on July 13 and Aug. 10 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
