The next free textile and soft recyclables program in Rochester has been postponed until January 18 due to some unspecified extenuating circumstances, Rochester Town Administrator Suzanne Szyndlar told the Board of Selectmen on December 3.
The company, Simple Recycling, owned by WasteZero, will be mailing residents information about the service and the pink plastic bags they will be supplying residents to fill with textiles, clothing, shoes, purses, and other soft materials.
Simple Recycling will collect the bags, along with other small items like electronics, appliances, and furniture – items under 50 pounds that one person can handle alone – along the same regular recycling route on the designated recycling day and week.
Participation is voluntary, and the service that is provided to the town at no cost is expected to decrease solid waste disposal fees to some degree, given that residents can now recycle these materials in a convenient manner rather than throw them away.
Also during the meeting, the board voted on the Town’s right of first refusal for a Chapter 61A 5.86-acre agricultural property on Snipatuit Road.
“The Conservation Commission and the Planning Board both recommend that we pass on our right of first refusal and let the sale go through,” said Board of Selectmen Chairman Greenwood “Woody” Hartley.
In other matters, SEMASS’s monthly payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) amount reached $373,850 this month, making it what Szyndlar call “a good month.”
“That’s probably the highest I’ve seen it,” Szyndlar commented.
“Keep it up, SEMASS,” said Hartley.
The Town has received $5,000 in funding to purchase a new work safety trailer, provided by the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA). Szyndlar said Facilities Manager Andrew Daniel procured the grant money and congratulated him on a job well done.
“He’s very excited about that,” said Szyndlar.
The next meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen is scheduled for December 17 at 6:00 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.
Rochester Board of Selectmen
By Jean Perry