Southborough Recycling seeks help from residents for survey

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Southborough – The Southborough Green Technology and Recycling Committee, in a joint effort with the Public Works Planning Board, has undertaken a survey of the waste management practices employed by Massachusetts communities. The goal of the survey is to report back to the Board of Selectmen on the management practices that could substantially reduce the operational cost of the Transfer Station and reduce the environmental impact of the waste stream generated by Southborough residents. The committee is asking residents of the town interested in contributing in this effort to contact the committee.

Data from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) clearly indicates a substantial opportunity exists for improvement in the waste management practices at the transfer station. According to data collected by the Southborough Department of Public Works, the average household served by the Transfer Station brings 2,141 pounds of waste material to the facility each year. Of the 230 communities reporting data to the Mass. DEP, the statewide average is 1,513 pounds, placing the households using the Southborough Transfer Station 40 percent above the state average. Communities having implemented the best practices recommended by the Mass. DEP generate an average 1,137 pounds per year.

The goal of the survey is to investigate communities with demographics similar to Southborough reporting better than average performance. The committee will visit communities who have implemented the best practices recommended by the Mass DEP and communities who have found other means for achieving better than average performance.

If you are interested in contributing to this effort, contact the committee by calling 508-481-3770. A representative of the committee will contact you to discuss the planned survey in detail.

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