The Trash Man Cometh

Here in the lovely town of Swampscott, we are soon to have new waste management regulations beginning in October, 2011. In order to further encourage recycling, the Town will allow only three (3) trash barrels of 35 gallons or less. (Note to self: Check to see capacity of current garbage barrels.)

Alternately, three (3) 30 gallon trash bags are allowed. (Another note to self: check capacity of trash bags currently in use.)

One large household object, (read: that couch the cat keeps peeing on, or that chair Uncle Harry sat in which collapsed under him on Thanksgiving --was that three years ago?) is permitted per family...household each week. (If you are considering moving within the next 1-3 years, best to start cleaning out the basement and garage immediately.)

Everything possible on the planet is to be recycled!! From doorknobs and watch fobs to rubber boots and chimney soot-- if it can be recycled, it needs to be. (Ha ha, not the baby’s diapers--at least I don’t think they can be recycled. I hope there’s a manual.)

If you cannot recycle enough, you can purchase a sticker from the town for $2.00 which you apply to each additional container of garbage. I figure this will be the course of action if someone has to move with 3-4 months of the start of this new plan.

Remember all plastic containers will be able to be recycled. Dead animals will require special bagging, however.

Did the selectmen take into account that plastic water bottles will now be covered under the state’s bottle bill? That will reduce the Town’s recycling by a half right there.

This is going to save the Town a chunk of change each year, plus the fee for the extra trash will be an increase of collected funds. Admittedly Swampscott has the highest tax rate per thousand in the area. but with mucho responsibilities for our well-being that are absorbed by the Town, it is all worth it, don’t you agree?

I do have some criticisms and suggestions for the Town as it begins to implement its new Recycling Enhancement and Financial Savings Act of 2011.

Why, if one can recycle glass which will end up broken in a million pieces for such purposes as making asphalt, can you not accept broken glass for recycling? (Note to self: Chuck out those broken aluminum window frames with the broken glass this week!!)

Again, why can’t plastic bags be recycled curbside?

Why not lift the law prohibiting people from rummaging through recycled bottles etc. and allow those so motivated to pick out the deposit containers to cash in for extra money to supplement their social security or food stamps? Heaven knows we have to do something to offset the decrease in the COLA determination for the elderly’s annual increase. Perhaps there won’t be a COLA anyway--well, lift that prohibition right away.

Why do Town taxpayers have to buy their own recycling blue bins? This seems like it should come with the new regulations from the savings in revenues for recycling.

Why not encourage composting? Maybe a discount could be given for us to buy materials via the Town to make safe and rodent secure compost piles. Maybe the Town could set to some composting centers that will take more than leaves or cut grass. Much kitchen waste could be recycled in this manner.

I hope in the final version of the regulations there is a fee break for senior citizens, handicapped, and others who live on a fixed income. Maybe charge just $.50 for those who are in such circumstances.

What does this property tax rate pay for again? Schools, police, fire, snow plowing, upkeep of parks and seashore, curbside trash pick-up, pay for the few other Town employees who haven’t been laid off yet.

I hope we aren’t paying for more white boards at the schools. Those markers are way more expensive than chalk.  Gotta think savings, savings!!