No Go For Pay As You Throw

Strong opposition and a small potential savings have stopped Westborough's look at switching to a pay as you throw household trash and recycling program.

That will be the ad hoc pay as you throw committee's report to the board of selectmen.

“I’ve had the opportunity to speak at a couple of community groups, and I can say that there are very few things that have seen as much opposition as something like this, moreso than doing a recreation center," Town Manager Jim Malloy said during the ad hoc committee's meeting Monday night at Westborough Town Hall.

“I think somebody in the audience said it would be easier to close the Catholic church," Selectman Leigh Emery added.

Malloy said switching to pay as you throw ultimately would have saved Westborough about $60,000.

Selectmen organized the committee on Oct. 23 at Malloy's suggestion.

The committee met with Grafton and Northborough officials in November. Both communities have pay as you throw programs.

Westborough does not offer curbside trash and recycling.

Rather, residents pay $120 for a sticker (and $60 for a second sticker) for access to a transfer station available through Westborough's contract with E.L. Harvey and Sons, according to the Westborough Board of Health website. Seniors pay half price for the stickers.