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Trash Fee Proposal

At a glance

  • What: The Board of Health presented options to pay for trash and recycling as the Fitchburg-Westminster Landfill may close, including a possible new household trash fee. Seven residents spoke against or questioned the idea on September 15.
  • Where it stands: No option was selected and the Council took no vote. A possible implementation date of April 5, 2027 was discussed.
  • Next: More public outreach and Council discussion were expected; no date is set in the minutes read.

The presentation (September 15, 2026)

Health Director Curry, Recycling Coordinator Leblanc and Congdon of the state Department of Environmental Protection gave an overview of the current waste and recycling program and the expected financial effects of the landfill's possible closure.

  • Five waste-reduction and funding options were presented, including pay-as-you-throw bags, annual or flat fees, and keeping the current system.
  • The presentation also covered a waste enterprise fund, more recycling and composting, public education and enforcement, and state grant funding.
  • Councilors asked about costs, landfill closure timing, enforcement, larger residential properties, composting and collection.
  • The same topic was announced on September 2: Councilor Schultz hosted a community meeting on trash and recycling on September 17 at 6:30 PM at the Legislative Building, with Health Director Curry and Congdon presenting.

Public forum (September 15, 2026)

  • Stephens asked how a trash tax would apply to the Bridle Cross Road development, whose residents pay privately for trash and recycling.
  • Wethje opposed the fee, citing its use as a new revenue source and proposed changes to oversight of the funds, and said residents with their own disposal should be able to opt out.
  • Sullivan Godin opposed it, citing delayed trash collection, extra cost for residents who use the City dump, misuse of dumping bins, and the burden on retired and fixed-income residents.
  • Raabe opposed it, citing seniors and fixed incomes and rising living costs.
  • Knight spoke on the projected increase in residential trash costs after the landfill closes, worried about adding costs for taxpayers, and suggested using existing City infrastructure (landfill gas, biomass, an anaerobic digester) to produce revenue.
  • Couture opposed new fees and taxes, saying he uses a City dump permit.
  • Joseph opposed the fee, recalled an earlier trash tax proposal that was not approved, urged the City to control administrative costs, and noted the landfill closure has long been expected.

Sources

Log

2026-09-15 - City Council

Presentation by the Board of Health; seven residents spoke in public forum (see above). No option chosen, no vote. A written document was passed to the Clerk for the minutes.

2026-09-02 - City Council

Councilor Schultz announced the September 17 community meeting on trash and recycling.