HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-12-11 Solid Waste Advisory Committee MinutesSolid Waste Committee
Meeting Minutes
December 11, 1991
The meeting convened at 7:35 PM.
Attendance: Anne Mark, Trish Brigham, Ted McIntire, Stephen
Thomases, Carol Edwards, Don Anglehart, Sally,Sabo, Susan
Cohen, Dan Ensminger (Bd. of Selectmen), Nate White (Fin.
Committee), Peter Johnson (RRP), and Bob Brown (RRP).
The minutes were unanimously approved with a correction to
the spelling of McGonagle.
RECYCLER OF THE MONTH - JANUARY
Anne suggested Cerratani's Supermarket in recognition of the
white paper recyclig program they have initiated. Trish
suggested Goddard Landscaping for their Christmas tree
recycling program. Cerratani's was the unanimous choice.
WASTE COLLECTION & DISPOSAL STRATEGIES
PRIVATIZATION
Don explained the DRAFT document which discussed this option.
His findings indicate that there is some flexibility in the
existing contract with RESCO to add more private parties to
the town's trash disposal system. Under this option, a
private hauler(s) would be responsible for billing and fee
collection. Amounts equalling the tipping fee owed to RESCO
would be remmitted to the town, who would then pay RESCO.
The option as presented excludes recycling.
Implications of this option were discussed:
* Removal of half of trash disposal, costs from the town
budget
* other financial implications, i.e. to homeowner
* Competitive pricing among vendors may impact ability of
Town to meet obligations (tipping fees) to RESCO
TRANSFER STATION
Carol highlighted the advantages and disadvantages summarized
in her written report. This option calls for a drop-off
center for trash and possibly several recyclables. It
appears that this option is rather costly and has few
advantages.
PAY-FOR,-USE/USER FEE
Steve explained the various financial scenarios incorporated
in the analysis of this option. Under this alternative,
households in Reading would be charged a per unit fee for
trash collection and disposal. The fee would vary depending
on which components of the trash collection and disposal
costs, the town wished to recover from homeowners through a
fee assessment program.
Anne.will provide to the Town Manager, by Friday, December
13, copies of the three draft reports which were presented
and discussed at this meeting. Each "author" will present
his/her report to the Board of Selectmen at their next
meeting.
RECYCLING SURVEY
Anne highlighted some of the findings of the recycling survey
and recognized Linda King for all her hard work in tabulating
responses. The number of survey responses received was 1913.
The results were what one might have expected, ie more people
were willing to use a drop-off, the chaser it was to home.
However, it was agreed that it would be misleading to
extrapolate results from the survey and apply them on a
town-wide basis. Anne and Linda are currently summarizing
the comments which accompanied many of the responses.
PLASTICS RECYCLING
Peter Johnson reported that the collections have been going
well. Donations have remained stable over the past few
months and are exceeding the cost of operations. The RRP is
reviewing options for use of these excessfunds - most likely
expanding the collection to include other recyclable items.
OTHER
Carol will finalize the draft of the guidelines for the
Recycler of the Month Award for the next meeting.
The Committee will also address the issues and implications
of the fact that the recycling program ends in March, at the
next neeting.
The meeting adjourned at 10:00 PM.