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Robert Cantoreggi, Franklin’s director of public works and Derek Adams, environmental affairs coordinator, both spent time presenting to the Town Council on Thursday and, in Cantoreggi’s case, delivering the unwelcome news of a hike in trash fees – but a small one.
Cantoreggi said the trash and recycling picture has been complex and dynamic in recent years. For example, he noted, supply chain issues are delaying the arrival of spare parts for some of the trucks used by the contractor. And they, and the DPW, have been having trouble finding drivers able and willing to work.
Councilor Robert Dellorco, who works for MassPort handling vehicle operations and maintenance, told Cantoreggi, “I feel your pain,” and noted that many would-be drivers decline the opportunity to get and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License, because it requires a drug test and can detect marijuana use even weeks earlier. “I’m not kidding, this is a real problem,” he said.
Cantoreggi also noted that disposal of recyclables has also been volatile. When the single-stream recycling program began, the town was being paid $15 per ton for the material. In contrast, during 2020, the town had to pay $90 per ton to dispose of the material. This year the figure has fallen to $40 a ton, he noted and seems to be stabilizing, he said.
Because of the cumulative effects, Cantoreggi proposed an increase in trash fees of $2 per quarter, a total of $8 per year, per customer , an increase that needed Council approval. He also made mention of possible water increases...
The possible water increase, drew sharp comments from Councilor Matt Kelly but Chairman Tom Mercer reminded him that the vote needed was on the trash fees. For his part, Councilor Andy Bissanti also expressed concerns about the general rise in fees and the impending charges for storm water handling. “I hate to say it but it is like death by a thousand cuts.”
In the end, the Council did vote to approve the increase.
They also heard from Adams who discussed plans for better composting at the Beaver Street facility, perhaps making available home composting bins that are more modern and work better than earlier models (The Earth Machine vs the older New Age Composter) and longer-term, the concept of curbside compost pickup for “organic material” – e.g. food waste – which makes up a significant portion of solid waste. Councilor Cobi Frongillo lauded Adams for his work. “Eric has been very responsive as I have been in his ear on composting – and I told him he would have council support for curbside composting,” he added.
