Automated Refuse Collection and Single Stream Recycling Collection to be implemented in September

The Town of Wakefield will change its refuse collection program from conventional collection to an automated refuse collection beginning on September 29th, 2014. The curbside recycling program will also change to a single stream manual collection program.

            The goal of the new collection programs is to reduce trash, increase recycling, improve operations, improve the environment, reduce the cost of refuse collection and disposal, and provide for a clean community, according to Wakefield DPW Director Rick Stinson.

            “The automated refuse collection and single stream manual recycling programs will help keep our community clean and safe while helping to reduce costs associated with both programs,” Director Stinson said in announcing the program. “Similar programs are already in full operation in many surrounding communities and have met with great success.”                     

                        Key components of the program include:

·         The automated refuse collection program will provide residents with a free refuse container that will be used with the automated refuse collection operation.

• Each single family household with municipal trash collection will receive one refuse container from the Town.  Legal 2, 3, and 4 family households that currently receive Town refuse collection will also receive a container for each legal unit; residents will not be required to buy an additional container, however one can be rented if necessary.
• Each container will have a serial number allowing them to be tracked if lost or stolen.  DPW personnel will record each container along with the name and address of the resident.  All refuse containers are the property of the Town of Wakefield.
• Each refuse container holds a substantial amount of trash and can easily accommodate two (2) regular trash containers.  We encourage all residents to try the program before renting an additional container or purchasing overflow bags.
• The containers are on wheels, are stable and can be easily moved. An average trash container measures 22” x 22” at the top and has a height of 29”; the automated trash container measures 24” x 25” at the top (including wheels) and is 43” high.
•  Instructions as to placement at curbside will be provided with each container, on the town’s website, in the local newspapers and through other media.
• Residents will have the opportunity to buy special event bags at a cost of 5 (five) bags for $10 if they anticipate a large amount of trash after a barbecue, holiday or party.  Most communities sell more bags than are used.
• As with the current collection system, bulky items like furniture are not expected to be placed in the container. Two bulky items will be allowed each week. These items will be picked up separately on Friday’s.  Residents can call the DPW at 781-246-6301 or email dpw@wakefield.ma.us by noon (12) on Thursday to schedule an appointment for pickup.
• There will be no change in the white goods collection. White goods will be picked up during the last FULL week of the month on your regular trash day.  Stickers are required and can be obtained at Town Hall.  The cost will remain the same at $20 per item.
• Operational changes will be made for the collection of TVs/CRTs. These items will be picked up at curbside on the last FULL week of the month on your regular trash day.  Stickers will be required and can be obtained at the DPW office in the Town Hall.  The cost will stay the same and is $20 per item.  Checks will be made payable to the contractor.
• The Single Stream Manual Curbside Recycling program will remain an every-other week program.  Residents will be able to use their existing recycling containers or their old refuse barrel for recycling.  Recycling stickers will be provided to those residents who utilize their old refuse barrels for recycling.
• Recycling collection will remain mandatory and is available to all residents who receive Town refuse collection.
• The single stream curbside recycling program will allow all materials to be placed in the same container; residents will not need to separate cans, bottles, plastics and paper into separate containers and papers will no longer need to be tied or placed in paper bags. This will help increase recycling at curbside.

• The existing policy’s prohibiting the collection of hazardous waste material, commercial refuse or construction debris remain in effect and will be strictly enforced.

• We encourage all residents to first consider recycling bulky and other items before putting out for trash collection.  The DPW maintains a list of non-profit organizations that accept these items.

During the next four months the DPW will be participating at various community events to provide residents with information on the new programs.  Further, residents will receive instructions and informational materials with their container, through the mail, in local newspapers, on WCAT and on the Town website.  In the meantime, should you have any questions please contact the DPW at 781-246-6301.