For Immediate Release

Friday, Jan. 26, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

East Bridgewater DPW Provides Answers to Frequently Asked Questions Regarding New Trash and Recycling Program

EAST BRIDGEWATER —  Director John B. Haines would like to offer residents answers to some of their questions that the East Bridgewater Department of Public Works has received since the announcement of the town’s new Curbside Trash and Recycling Program earlier this month.

“This is a brand new program, and we understand that residents have questions. Rubbish and recycling pickup are extremely important, core public services, and it is important that residents have the best possible information,” Director Haines said. “We have worked very hard on making sure that our new program is affordable and believe it provides a great value to our residents, with prices that are competitive and cheaper than outside vendors in the region.”

Q:

Do I have to participate in the new program?

A:

No – this program is voluntary but we believe it is the least expensive option for many of our residents.

Q:

Why does the new program cost more than the old program?

A:

The previous trash program had been supplemented by money the Town of East Bridgewater received in a settlement with former trash company BFI more than 20 years ago. That money was used to lessen the cost of trash pickup, but the funds have since elapsed.

The current trash and recycling program does not generate enough money to cover the cost of the services provided. These services include trash collection (picking trash up at the curb), trash disposal (hauling the trash to an approved trash facility and the cost for the facility to accept it), recycling collection (picking up your recyclables at the curb) and the recycling of all materials at the Recycling Center. The money generated from the new program will go directly toward the full cost of providing the services of trash and recycling collection and disposal.

Q:

Can I use just the recycling service or just the trash service?

A:

In order to participate in this new program you will need to utilize both services.

Q:

I already use the Town provided trash and recycling service, using yellow bags and the blue recycling toter. Do I need to sign up for the new program?

A:

No, if you are currently in the program you will automatically be opted in to the new program.

Q:

I have a dumpster at my condo/apartment complex. Is there a way I can still recycle?

A:

You can recycle by bring your recyclable materials to the Bridge Street Recycle Center during its normal business hours.

Q:

Can I still have or keep my second recycle toter at no extra cost?

A:

Yes. There is no charge for a second recycling toter.

Q:

What about a second trash toter?

A:

A second trash toter will cost an additional $125 annually. This is to cover the cost of disposing the additional trash for the year. The more you recycle, the less trash you will have and the less the town will have to pay. We also recommend household composting programs to further reduce the quantity of rubbish our town generates (and thus pays to remove…).

Q:

I have another vendor providing trash and recycling services now. The cost is reasonably equal, why should I switch to the town provided program?

A:

We do not seek to tell residents what to do, but there are benefits to a single provider.

Using one trash and recycling provider in East Bridgewater to service the majority of the town will save wear and tear on our roads, decrease traffic issues and ensure the best price possible.

Multiple trash/recycling vendors means more large trucks on our streets daily. It is not uncommon right now to see 3 or 4 different vendor’s trucks on the same streets on the same day.

Q:

When and where can I sign up?

A:

Sign up for the new program between now and June 1 to enroll. Service will begin on July 1. Residents interested in participating in the program should call the East Bridgewater DPW office at 508 378-1620. You can also sign up online on the DPW website before June 1.

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