Fairfield Recycling Commission Approves Waste Reduction Task Force, Announces New Bin Fees

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Fairfield Solid Waste and Recycling Commission voted unanimously Oct. 19 to establish a task force to develop a multiyear plan aimed at reducing waste and improving recycling throughout town.

The initiative follows a proposal from Sustainable Fairfield, which recommended that the commission lead the planning effort. Under Fairfield's Town Code, the commission is responsible for creating a waste management plan.

The proposed task force would include representatives from waste hauling companies, Solid Waste and Recycling Department staff, commission members, Parks and Recreation staff and potentially other stakeholders.

Commission members plan to identify potential task force participants at their next meeting.

Recycling Bin Delivery Delayed, $35 Fee Planned

The commission also discussed delays affecting the arrival of new MetroSTOR recycling bins.

According to the meeting minutes, shipments of several essential components from overseas have been delayed, pushing back the anticipated arrival of the bins.

The Solid Waste and Recycling Department plans to charge residents $35 to use the bins. Revenue from the fee will help offset hauling expenses and costs associated with the accompanying app.

The commission's Community Education Committee also reviewed promotional materials for the program, including a proposed advertisement in the winter Parks and Recreation brochure.

Members agreed that the advertisement should use a portrait layout and feature a photograph of the park where the bins will be installed.

Transfer Station Improvements And Budget Planning

During the department director's report, officials said waste tonnage remained consistent.

A new concrete landing pad has been installed at the town's Transfer Station. The concrete surface is expected to be more practical than asphalt, which can soften during summer temperatures.

The department also hired a new part-time assistant, Lynn-Marie Lanzilli.

Commission members received information about the preliminary fiscal year 2028 budget, which must be completed and approved by Dec. 1.

Officials also clarified recycling procedures for propane grills in response to a resident's question. Propane canisters can be recycled for a $5 fee, while the remaining grill components are accepted as scrap metal.

Commission Elects New Vice Chair

The commission unanimously elected Courtney Radosavljevic as its new vice chair, replacing Ron Blumenthal, who left the commission during the summer.

Members also unanimously approved the commission's June meeting minutes.

The commission's next steps include identifying participants for the waste reduction task force, continuing preparations for the MetroSTOR bin program and completing the fiscal year 2028 budget by the Dec. 1 deadline.