Guest Opinion

Drop Boxes

         The Drop Box Working Group urges Town Meeting to support amendment to the Junk Dealer Bylaw, Westford Bylaw Chapter 114.  The amendments will regulate drop boxes, also known as unattended donation receptacles, to address the problem of unwanted drop boxes on private property and unsafe placement.

         The amendment will require operators of drop boxes to obtain a license from the Board of Selectmen.  The license will require the name of the organization and contact information along with written permission from the property owner.  The $50 annual fee will not be charged to philanthropic organizations, such as St. Vincent de Paul or the American Red Cross.

         The amendment will also require a one-time $50 permit fee for siting the unattended donation receptacle.  The Building Commissioner will be authorized to enforce pedestrian and vehicular safety, circulation, parking and building codes according to Town Zoning bylaws.  Drop Boxes will be permitted in commercial, business and industrial districts and on upon any property where the primary use is educational, religious or child care facility, even in a residential zone.  Currently there is no protection to keep drop boxes off unimproved lots.

         Books are not considered junk under Massachusetts General Law and the amendments will have no affect on book collection boxes.

         Licensing and permitting will be the responsibility of the operator and not the host property owner.

         Unattended donation receptacles are regulated in more than 30 states and a growing list of cities and towns in Massachusetts, such as Worcester, Quincy, Ludlow, Rockland and Acton.

         Please vote in favor of amending the Junk Dealer Bylaw.

Lisa Courchaine

Dennis Courchaine Jr.

Beverly Johansen

Valerie Wormell