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Select Board weighs discontinuing electronics recycling program

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

During its meeting on Dec. 17, the Select Board tabled a discussion on halting the Department of Public Works’ electronic waste collection program.

DPW director Kerry Reed gave a brief presentation to the board that outlined her department’s reasoning for requesting the program’s suspension.

“Fees [for electronic recycling] have not changed but costs go up,” said Reed. “It is no longer self-sustaining.”

First developed in 2005 by what is now the Sustainable Green Committee, the electronics waste program charges a “nominal fee” depending on the item being recycled. E.L. Harvey then picks up those items and charges the town by weight. The company will charge additional fees if banned waste — air conditioners, refrigerators, cathode ray televisions, etc. — is collected.

According to documents provided to the Select Board, the DPW collected over $2,000 in program revenue but paid over four times that amount in fees to E.L. Harvey in fiscal year 2024. The program has continued to pay out more than it takes in since FY 22.

Beyond the financial issues, Reed pointed to operational hiccups and issues with illegal dumping that impact the program’s efficacy.

Board members expressed apprehension over discontinuing electronic recycling, even when alternatives outside of the town are available to residents.

“I don’t think we should cut down a service that is as significant as this one, even though it’s a small one,” said Select Board member Shahidul Mannan.

Member Mary Jo LaFreniere said that if the recycling of electronics were to be discontinued, alternatives would need to be communicated adequately to residents.

In looking for other solutions, member Amy Ritterbusch floated an option to move electronics recycling to a quarterly schedule.

All Select Board members agreed they needed input from both the SGC and residents before moving forward.

“We’re open to trying to figure something out,” said chair Brian Herr. “I think we should give this a little time, socialize it more and get some feedback.”

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Photo of the Day

Snow covers a concrete barrier along the boat ramps at the Hopkinton Reservoir.

PHOTO/AMIT JAGDALE