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Date: 10/26/2022
MONSON – Several months of irregular trash pick-up by Republic Services has caused concern for many Monson residents. On Nov. 1, these issues should begin to subside, as a new program rolls out.
Larisa Krutov, chair of the Board of Health, explained that everyone in town will be receiving new trash and recycling barrels. For solid waste, residents will receive a 65-gallon barrel and for recycling, a 95-gallon barrel. The delivery process should take about one week.
Krutov noted that the day residents usually have trash pick-up, they will still have pick-up, along with the drop-off of the new barrels. Moving forward, pick-up days will remain the same, with recycling occurring every other week and solid waste every week.
The reason for the new barrels is that the town’s old contract with Republic Services has expired. When looking for a new one, Krutov said they reviewed options, to which the Board of Health decided this one would be best for the town.
With the new trash and recycling program, Krutov said there will be improvements, including Republic’s new trucks with automated arms to pick up the barrels. She shared that many of the delays have been a result of trucks breaking down and drivers being injured from lifting the barrels and getting in and out of the truck. However, with this program, the drivers will not even have to leave the truck.
“It will be easier on the trucks and the drivers,” said Krutov. She noted that this is the main reason for the change. “It will be better for everyone.”
On Oct. 15, the Board of Health hosted a question-and-answer session regarding the new program. The meeting was well attended with about 40 people, said Krutov.
Also beginning Nov. 1 is a state regulation that will ban putting textiles in solid waste. In Monson, there are a few drop-off locations to properly dispose of textiles, including Veterans Field. Krutov added that the state regulation includes mattresses and box springs which will not be a part of the bulk pick-up.
At press time, Krutov said the Board of Health is looking at options for people to recycle their mattresses. Currently, residents can call Republic Services and pay $150 for them to pick it up. “Not everyone wants to pay $150,” said Krutov, which is why they are searching for different, cheaper companies. The overall purpose of this is to avoid illegal dumping, she noted.
On Dec. 5, Republic will be picking up the old trash and recycling barrels for those looking to get rid of them.
In the meantime, Krutov and the Board of Health look forward to the implementation of this new program. “This is a big change for everyone – including me,” she said.