Business & Tech

'Carry In/Carry Out' Trash Policy Adopted For Groups Using Town Land

Selectmen approved the measure after the Recycling Commission said groups that recently used the common failed to properly dispose of their trash.

Groups that use the town common or other town land must now adhere to a "carry in/carry out" policy for their trash under a new plan.

Selectmen adopted the policy Tuesday after a recommendation from the Recycling Commission. It mandates such groups be responsible for properly disposing of their trash.

In the summer and fall, two groups that held functions at the common dumped all their trash in town barrels and didn't separate recyclables, according to the commission.

Find out what's happening in Westfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The town pays by the ton to dispose of the contents of those barrels at a waste facility in Haverhill.

Town officials last year set a goal of reducing waste by 10 percent.

Find out what's happening in Westfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"Allowing organizations to continue as they have is counterproductive," commission Chair Kris Erickson wrote in a letter to selectmen.

Selectman Robert Jefferies called the new policy "completely reasonable."

Selectmen passed the measure unanimously.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Westford