Plympton selectmen voted Monday night to implement the much-debated Pay as You Throw trash bag purchase program. Residents will now – as of April 1, 2023 – be required to purchase trash bags specifically marked for Plympton, at a cost of $1.25 each for the 15-gallon size and $2.50 each for the 33-gallon size.
About a half dozen residents attended the ZOOM hearing to speak against the program, questioning how compliance could be enforced if current transfer station rules for recycling and what can be accepted at the rubbish compactors cannot. Highway superintendent Rob Firlotte said that it would be enforced the same way that stickers are enforced – people without the proper trash bags would be turned away, just as people without current stickers are turned away. Flagrant violators could have their transfer station privileges cancelled.
Colleen Morin, Administrative Assistant at the Highway Dept., said she will begin selling the new stickers on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at a cost of $65 and a discounted cost of $45 for those over age 65. Recycling only stickers will remain at $30 and additional stickers for residents with a second vehicle at the same residence will remain at $10.
Selectman Chairman Christine Joy told those in attendance that she feels it is the right move and the right time and didn’t think it necessary to rehash the situation when the end result would be the same. Mark Russo made the motion to ratify vote of the Board of Health and the wishes of the Highway superintendent to implement the Pay as You Throw program, with Joy seconding. Selectman John Traynor voted against the motion, saying that he didn’t think people have had enough time to get informed on the concept and many older residents who aren’t comfortable with computers need to be brought up to date with new information. The motion carried.
North Carver Rte 44 project terminated
In other business, Chairman Joy read correspondence from Sharon Clarke, Chairman of the Town of Carver Redevelopment Authority. “We’ve been working with them closely on the project behind the former Shaw’s building, “ Joy told the board, “She wanted to let us know that they were notified on Monday from Hillwood that they have terminated their contract with Route 44 for the North Carver project. There was an issue about extending their agreement for the Attorney General’s office appeal period for the new bylaws that Carver passed and they chose to terminate their agreement. Joy said that Clarke will keep Plympton informed if any new projects are proposed.