Starting in April 2015, Middlebury residents will be on their own when it comes to contracting for curbside recycling pickup. Part of the reason for the change is Vermont's new universal recycling law, which the town hopes will continue to motivate residents to recycle.
Middlebury officials were also concerned with how state composting mandates coming down the pike would affect the town-wide recycling contract.
Since 1990, the town has contracted with a single hauler for town-wide curbside recycling and residents using the service paid a reduced rate, which was negotiated by the town. When the current contract with Casella Waste Systems expires on March 31, it will be up to Middlebury residents to contract with trash and recycling vendors individually.
The Middlebury Select Board unanimously voted to do away with the town-wide contract at its Oct. 28 meeting, based upon the recommendation of the town recycling committee. Meeting highlights state:
While concerned about a potential drop in recycling compliance and the possibility for large price increases, the Board agreed that a competitive marketplace for recycling services would help keep prices down and the State's new Universal Recycling Law will provide sufficient impetus for individual household compliance.
The board's motion stipulated the town will revisit the recycling issue next fall, six months after the current contract expires. At that time the town will issue a new community recycling survey and seek feedback from local haulers providing services in town.