RELEASE: Burlington Studying Consolidated Curbside Collection; Public Meeting June 25th; Environment & Affordability Key Priorities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 18, 2020

Contact:

Robert Goulding, DPW Public Information Manager

RGoulding@burlingtonvt.gov, 802-863-9094

BURLINGTON STUDYING CONSOLIDATED CURBSIDE COLLECTION 

PUBLIC MEETING TO BE HELD JUNE 25, 2020

ENVIRONMENT & AFFORDABILITY ARE KEY PRIORITIES

Burlington, VT – Please see a reissued press release from earlier this year with updated information, including for a rescheduled public meeting.

To better serve residents and examine how other communities have implemented waste collection practices, the City of Burlington Department of Public Works (DPW) along with the City of South Burlington Department of Public Works are studying a potential new consolidated system for the collection of residential household trash, recyclables, and food scraps. Currently in Burlington, DPW collects residential recyclables, and residents contract with private haulers to collect residential garbage and compost or haul it to the appropriate facility themselves. Under a consolidated collection system, the City would enter into agreements with haulers to consolidate residential trash, recycling and food scraps collection services.

The City of Burlington is undertaking this process following a 2018 City Council resolution in order to determine if consolidated collection can reduce environmental impacts, lower residential costs, and improve infrastructure and noise impacts. In January 2019, Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD) procured a consultant on behalf of Burlington and South Burlington to produce a feasibility study and take a closer look at how consolidated collection might work. The study has determined there are likely to be key community benefits, but public input will guide next steps.

Public Works would like to invite residents to a public meeting to discuss the findings of the feasibility study, and address questions and comments.

• Public Meeting Details:
  • Date: Thursday June 25, 2020
  • Time: 7 P.M.
  • The meeting will be held via Zoom on June 25th at 7PM. Join at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86958022799.
  • You can also call in at +1 312 626 6799 with webinar ID 869 5802 2799. 
  • There will be public comment and opportunity for Q & A at the meeting. If joining via Zoom, you will be asked to use the "Raise Your Hand" feature to alert the moderators that you wish to speak during certain times. If you are calling in, you will be asked to press *9
  • If you experience any technical difficulties joining or speaking during public comment or prefer to have your comment/question read by staff, please email DPWCommunications@burlingtonvt.gov
  • Please check https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/dpw/Maintenance/Consolidated or call 802-863-9094 prior to the meeting to learn about any updates or changes to the meeting
• Public Works will schedule an additional meeting later in July. Please check https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/DPW/Calendar for updates.

Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the community meeting which will include:

• Overview of the Feasibility Study
• Overview of a phone survey conducted in June 2019
• Opportunity for questions and comments
• Overview of next steps as the City considers whether to pursue consolidated collection

Residents who cannot attend the meeting are encouraged to submit questions and comments via email to DPWCommunications@burlingtonvt.gov. Written comments sent at least 72 hours in advance of the meetings are encouraged. The feasibility study is available at: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/dpw/Maintenance/Consolidated.

“Every day we strive to provide better, more affordable and more environmentally friendly services for our residents – and consolidated collection is an opportunity many communities like ours have taken,” said Chapin Spencer, Director of Public Works. “Public input is a key component of the process to help guide our decision-making and we look forward to this discussion with the community.”

REMINDER ABOUT ACT 148 (FOOD SCRAPS LAW)

To learn more about the state's upcoming food scraps law, how to find a hauler for your food scraps, what it means for you as a resident, landlord or business, and with any questions please visit the following resources:

ACT 148 RESOURCES

• https://cswd.net/scrapfoodwaste/
• https://dec.vermont.gov/waste-management/solid/materials-mgmt/organic-materials

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