Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
| By Natasha Clark Reminder Assistant Editor EAST LONGMEADOW Last week, The Reminder received many phone calls and several letters to the editor about the recent announcement of major changes to the trash disposal program in East Longmeadow. In response to residents' questions and concerns, The Reminder sought further information about the new program from Executive Secretary Nick Breault and Board of Selectmen Chair John Claffey. Accoding to information provided by the Selectmen's office, to be in compliance with the new "Waste Reduction Program," residents will have to provide their own 35 gallon trash containers. They can use a barrel that is 35 gallons in size or less, or they can use a town- approved trash bag of that size of 35 gallons or less, according to Breault. Both the barrel and the bags have a 50 pound weight limit, he added. Town approved trash bags are gray bags with red lettering that have a town seal on them. Bags come in packages of five for $8.75 ($1.75 per bag). These customized bags are available throughout East Longmeadow at Big Y, Stop & Shop, Romito's Deli, A.W. Brown, CVS, and Walgreens. According to Breault, the cost of the bags go towards covering the cost of trash disposal and the manufacturing of the bags. Retailers also do not profit from their sales and the bags are tax exempt. Breault also explained that public input about potential trash programs was sought as far back as February 2003 when the Board of Selectmen asked for members of the community to step forward to form the Solid Waste Advisory Team (S.W.A.T) "The idea that this was done behind closed doors is as far from the truth as you could get," Claffey said. "One of the most disappointing aspects of town government is that, regardless of how much we seek citizen input, we often times don't get people interested in giving their time to work on a committee." Originally, the S.W.A.T. had eight members and started hosting meetings in March or April 2003. These were regular, publically- posted meetings, according to Breault. And the conclusion of that board, confirmed Claffey, was that the town should enact a pay-as-you-throw program. "One of their points was it would encourage recycling and responsible disposal," Claffey said. "[At the] 2004 Annual Town Meeting, the S.W.A.T. had a table set up in the front of the auditorium prior to and after the meeting. [They were] handing out information and an announcement was made about the process of renegotiating the trash contract and that they were looking for input. "People were invited to pick up information and speak to the team. We solicited assistance and comments at the Annual Town Meeting. This topic of recycling should not come as a surprise to anybody." But Claffey hopes the new trash disposal method will "encourage people to recycle and pay attention to the waste stream." "Let's make this a cooperative effort among all citizens to save money on our already extremely strained municipal budget," Claffey added. "The interesting thing is that in addition to calls and comments from dissatisfied [residents]. [I'm] also getting calls and stopped by neighbors congratulating the Board of Selectmen for taking steps to reign in a cost that was spiraling out of control." According to David Simoneau, manager of Rocky's Ace Hardware in East Longmeadow, several residents have come to the store seeking 35 gallon trash barrels in order to be compliant with the new trash pickup program. He said that most standard trash barrels are 32 gallons, but the store has ordered 100 35- gallon barrels which should arrive June 6. He said the 35 gallon barrels have wheels. For more information on the East Longmeadow Waste Reduction Program, see the detailed insert in this week's Reminder. The Selectmen's office also announced that information will be mailed to all residents this month, and a phone line will be installed by June 8 which residents will be able to call with further questions. |