What's Happening?
The Amherst Town Council is evaluating a proposal to transition from the current subscription-based waste hauling system to a town-contracted service that would include universal curbside compost pickup. This initiative aims to enhance sustainability
efforts, improve climate outcomes, and achieve state and local Zero Waste and Climate Action goals. The proposal, sponsored by several councilors and Zero Waste Amherst, suggests a phased implementation, starting with 1-4 family homes and later expanding to apartment complexes and businesses. It also incorporates a 'Pay As You Throw' fee structure, which would incentivize waste reduction by charging residents based on the volume of trash generated. The Town Services and Outreach Committee (TSO) has received an initial report and a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) to gather cost information from haulers. Local haulers, including USA Waste and Recycling, Casella Waste Management, Republic Services, and Banana Compost, have expressed willingness to provide curbside compost pickup. The Board of Health has also supported the proposal, urging the Town Manager to expedite the process.
Why It's Important?
This proposal is significant for Amherst as it seeks to address escalating waste management costs and promote environmental sustainability. By moving to a town-contracted system, Amherst aims to gain control over service quality and pricing, which is currently lacking under the virtual monopoly of USA Waste and Recycling. The 'Pay As You Throw' model has been shown to reduce waste by up to 35%, offering a financial incentive for residents to minimize their trash output. Universal curbside compost pickup is expected to divert up to 40% of the waste stream from landfills and incinerators, aligning with broader climate action objectives. This shift could lead to lower costs for residents compared to current subscription services, as seen in other municipalities with town contracts. Furthermore, the initiative could provide universal access to recycling for hard-to-recycle items through the transfer station, benefiting all residents, especially in a college town with frequent bulky waste generation.
What's Next?
The Town Services and Outreach Committee (TSO) will continue to work with the Town Manager to finalize the Request for Proposals (RFP) to obtain cost information from waste haulers. This RFP will not be binding but will inform future decision-making by the Town Council. The Board of Health plans to discuss additions to its hauler regulations in the coming months. The proposal suggests a voluntary curbside compost collection program as a pilot phase for two years, which would then become part of the basic curbside service. Residents can support the proposal by contacting the Town Council. The town will need to commit staff time for the initial setup of the billing program, drafting regulations, and creating the RFP, with these costs potentially absorbed by the town or included in resident fees.
Beyond the Headlines
The Amherst proposal reflects a growing national trend towards localized, comprehensive waste management strategies that prioritize sustainability and cost efficiency. The 'Pay As You Throw' system, while effective in reducing waste, also raises questions about equity, particularly for low-income households. The proposal addresses this by suggesting potential low-income vouchers and emphasizing that the system treats trash collection as a utility, where those who produce less waste pay less. The focus on local processing of compostable materials, such as at Martin's Farm in Greenfield, highlights a commitment to circular economy principles, ensuring that waste is not just diverted but also repurposed within the regional economy. This initiative could serve as a model for other communities grappling with waste management challenges, demonstrating how integrated approaches can yield environmental and economic benefits.
