Hampton to Keep 'Status Quo' with Recycling Services Through September

Hampton selectmen reached a consensus Monday that they will work through September with public works to develop a formal recycling policy before making any decisions about what areas will and won't receive curbside service from the town-run program.

As the town works to develop a policy that addresses the several issues that have dominated recent conversations, Selectmen Chairman Richard Nichols said the town will "maintain the status quo" and won't alter the level of service to any residents or businesses.

"There are a number of situations we don't understand," said Nichols. "To make decisions now... would be premature with the resources we have."

The town will assume responsibility of curbside refuse and recycling services from Waste Management on July 1 as part of a cost-saving effort.

Among the issues the town needs to address this summer is whether there are legal repercussions with allowing town-owned automated trucks to go onto private property, which would be necessary because the new trucks are too large for streets in the Hampton Beach Trailer Park off Kings Highway and several businesses along Route 1.

Other areas that could be affected include anywhere between "two to six condominiums" and up to several hundred people, including a condominium complex at the corner of Kings Highway and Winnacunnet Road, as well as Taylor River Estates, Scared Heart School and the Methodist Church, according to Nichols.

Nichols said there could also be an "impact on manpower because we're now doing recycling in house," and he said the town "won't understand (these issues) until we're through the summer."

Selectman Rick Griffin, along with several others, agreed it's important to continue with the same level of service to "keep our reputation" as Keith Noyes and Chris Jacobs, the new respective public works director and deputy director, work on a formal policy under the direction of the selectmen.

"We're going to be looking to do everything that we have been doing," said Griffin, speaking to the residents in the audience Monday. "We need to have a solid policy.

"This isn't going to be decided here tonight."

Noyes and Jacobs, who met the selectmen for the first time Monday, said they understand some of the issues involved with the change, and one or both men are expected to be engaged in selectmen discussions at future meetings about the recycling policy.

The selectmen meet next on Monday, June 27, at 7 p.m.