HomeMy WebLinkAboutTrash/Recycling Comm. 11/12/2020Trash & Recycling Task Force Ad Hoc CommitteeF D
November 12 2020 �! ; * E OFFICE
MEETING MINUTES ?170 n1Lr8 _ 8 p 12: 23
MEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Schoonveld, Select Board Member r D
Lee Azinheira, DPW Director r c
Mike Ahern, Public Buildings/Special Projects Manager
Christina Collins, DPW Office Manager
Neil Rhein, Select Board Member
Jack Cooney, Finance Committee
Kevin Dumas, Town Manager
MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: Amy Donovan -Palmer, Health Agent
Graham Wilson, Board of Health
1. Call to Order —Reading of virtual meeting law —
2. Resident Questions & Comments
None at this time.
3. Review of Updated Metrics
Steve Schoonveld goes over recent numbers for both trash and recycling. Discussion ensues
about current pandemic affecting numbers and such. Also, discussion about past numbers and
how this year compares to previous years and how the numbers may look going into the future.
See his updated excel sheets for more detailed information. Also, it is noted that volume at the
Mansfield Green is definitely up too; also bulky and white good sticker purchases are up too.
Also, results of recycling audit — Mansfield is at 14% -- average is 14.9%. Mansfield is up 1 %
from last year's audit. As of today, no assessment or penalty has been imposed; this does not
mean that there won't be one.
4. Discussions Of Trash & Recycling Change Proposals Brought by Committee
Members —
Steve has summarized all the scenarios on the excel spreadsheet; but will go through each one
for discussion.
First, Lee, Christina & Mike;
This option is outlined in a memorandum that Lee has prepared. It basically is the current
program with a few different options. First being different fees for a 64 gallon trash toter or a 35
gallon trash toter; the memo goes over all the points about this program. Memorandum and
discussion ensues about all the pros and cons of this system and things are noted in the
spreadsheet.
Second, Steve and Kevin present their option. This proposal is the standard would be a 35 gallon
trash toter with an option to pay a fee for the larger 64 gallon toter; all recycling bins would be
96 gallon and would include more education with regard to keeping recycling cleaner in order to
keep price down. Would also like to include a broader organics program and other measures to
coincide with the smaller bins. In depth discussion about this program and all relevant points are
noted on the excel spreadsheet.
Lastly, Neil and Jack go over the most dramatic change which would be a pay as you throw
program and/or a hybrid of a pay as you throw program. It would be a 35 gallon toter with
payment for any overflow bags; or no toter and all pay as you throw bags. Discussion pros,
cons, costs and such is discussed with regard to this option; including the fact that currently
drivers do not have to get out of the truck and with bags they would have to, so that hauling cost
would go up.
Also, same as other two options, other things would have to be included such as the wider
compost program, education to make recycling cleaner, swap shed, expanded services at the
green, etc.
5. Review and Approve Memo to Select Board on Town Green
Discussion about memo for board and finalization of same regarding change of days open and
sticker placement for the green. Steve will finalize the memo and present it at next Select Board
meeting. Proposed new hours for the green would be Saturday and Sunday 8:00 to 3:45 and
Monday 8:00 to Noon; also in the memo would be the placement of the sticker on resident
vehicles.
6. Discussion and Development of a Resident Trash & Recycling Survey
Short discussion about conducting a survey for all the residents to seek input and their opinion
with regard to trash and recycling issues. Homework for committee is to research around and
see if they can come up with any avenues for conducting a brief survey among the residents.
7. Items Not Known 48 hours prior to meeting
James Ernest a Mansfield resident is interested in the breakdown of how trash and recycling is
paid and how it relates to residents that live in dwellings with four or more units. Currently trash
and recycling is included in the property taxes. Brief discussion with resident about same.
Mike wants it noted that the stickers will have to be affixed to the vehicle if the resident would
like to access the Green.
Christina would like the committee's input for some social media ideas with regard to recycling.
She proposes using some of the pictures to show what can and cannot be recycling. Also, it is
noted that maybe some recycling posts related to the holidays such as wrapping paper, tissue
paper, electronics, etc.
Neil just wanted it noted that the MassDEP Solid Waste Master Plan for 2030 has a huge focus
on reducing food waste and disposing of organics so he feels that we should definitely be paying
attention to that aspect along with the issue of textiles. Lee notes that he will get some
information with regard to pennitting at the Green and how it would be need to be changed with
regard to the organics issue.
8. Committee Member Question & Comments
9. Adjournment
Respectfully Submitted
Christina Collins
lalgldoao
Signature of Commission Cleric Date of Acceptance