Curbside Collection Notice

To the Citizens of Franklin,

In April 2008 City Staff informed the Mayor and Council that significant increases were projected relating to the City’s solid waste collection and disposal budget.  At the time we were paying $38 per ton to burn our solid waste at the Wheelabrator Trash to Energy Facility.  Over the past two years our disposal cost has now risen to $62.50 per ton and expected to increase again in December of 2010 to $70.  The net effect thus far is a $154,000 increase over these past two years!  Match this with the need to replace our two aging rear load rubbish packers and the eventual construction of a regional recycling facility to be built by the Concord Regional Solid Waste/ Resource Recovery Cooperative and it becomes clear that there is a lot of potential for the City to not only save money but participate in various alternatives which are currently available to us.  In order to do this, changes need to be made.

Realizing we had to position ourselves to take advantage of various options, City Council was presented with a new concept, “Automated Containerized Curbside Collection of Trash and Single Stream Recycling.”   In August of 2008 the City Council directed staff to move forward towards developing a program for eventual implementation.

Presently the Municipal Services Department is in the process of replacing its two refuse packers with two new automated side load collection trucks along with the specialized containers needed to pick up curbside trash and recyclables.  On your scheduled curbside collection day one truck will be picking up your trash and the other your recyclables using the two designated containers which will be provided to you by the City.  We are able to add the service of curbside recycling because each truck only takes one person to operate versus the current method which requires two to three people. 

In July of 2009 upon approval of the current budget by City Council, City Staff, Municipal Services Committee and Ad-Hoc Recycling Committee have been hard at work gearing up for the April 19, 2010 startup date when the new service becomes effective.  Single Stream Recycling has already been implemented at the Transfer Station effective March 9, 2010.

During many presentations and public outreach efforts by the Recycling Committee, there has been overwhelming support and enthusiasm expressed throughout the City for this new program.  Our goal for year one is to recycle 50% of the trash that we currently burn.  If we can accomplish this we can save at least $125,000 in the first year because we will be diverting our burnable trash at a cost of $62.50 per ton to recycling our trash at almost a $0 cost per ton.  In order to meet, or better yet exceed this target goal, we are asking every one to read this packet and follow the guidance provided within.

There is little question that the first few months of our new program will be a challenging/learning experience.  Through this adjustment period there will be some things that may need to be worked out and we are asking for your patience and flexibility as we make this transition.  Should you have any questions City Staff and the Recycling Committee are available to speak with a group or you individually.  On Saturday April 10, 2010 the City Municipal Services Department will be conducting an OPEN HOUSE at the City Garage located at 43 West Bow Street between 10 A.M. and 2 P.M. rain or shine.  This will give everyone the opportunity to see all of the construction equipment that the City owns and learn more about the Municipal Services Department.

Please note that beginning April 6th two containers will be delivered to every home and multi unit residence with six units or less.   On the week of April 19th, begin to use these containers placing all or your recyclables LOOSE and UNBAGGED into your GREEN LID RECYCLING CONTAINER and your BAGGED TRASH into your GREY LID TRASH CONTAINER.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Brian J. Sullivan, Director, Franklin Municipal Services Dept.