Middlebury residents have had curbside recycling pickup since 1990. Residents pay for the service individually, with the benefit of a reduced rate based upon the town's contract with a private hauler.
But changes coming down the pike with Vermont's universal recycling law have the town revisiting that arrangement. The options under consideration range from expanding the service to include trash and compostable materials, to eliminating the town's involvement in curbside collection altogether.
The town commissioned a report on the current recycling program and future options, in light of state regulations being rolled out over the next few years. Middlebury residents will have the chance to weigh in on the options at the select board meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 9.
According to an email blast recently sent out by the town, report author Natalie Starr, of DSM Environmental, "will be on hand to review the report and discuss options for the Town's recycling program in the future, including:
- Eliminating town recycling collection service;
- Maintaining the recycling program and improving collection service;
- Funding the recycling program by taxation;
- Expanding the program to include curbside refuse collection service; and
- Adding organics to the role of the town contractor."
The meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 9 in the large conference room at the Middlebury Town Offices.
