Residents and city officials in Medford, Massachusetts, are voicing strong opposition to a proposed change in trash collection frequency that would shift from weekly to biweekly service starting in July 2027. This decision comes as the state weighs a potential ban on residential food waste disposal, prompting concerns about its impact on the community.
City officials announced plans to implement biweekly trash collection, citing long-term environmental strategies aimed at promoting a “zero waste” initiative. The announcement included a press release dated November 13, which highlighted a $200,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to support these initiatives. Critics argue that the reduction in service frequency was buried in the release, overshadowing the grant’s potential benefits.
City Council President Zac Bears criticized the administration for failing to adequately prepare the public for this significant change. “We’re not seeing any of the benchmarks that would lead us to believe that this is a good change,” Bears stated during a recent council meeting. He expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and the timing of the announcement, which he believes eroded public trust.
Under the proposed service model, residents would have their 64-gallon trash carts collected every other week, while recycling would continue at no additional charge. This plan would result in an average of 32 gallons of waste per household per week, aligning with the state’s “Pay As You Throw” program criteria. In addition, the city estimates that the transition could save over $1 million annually as disposal costs rise.
Public Works Commissioner Tim McGivern emphasized the need for a shift in Medford’s waste management approach. “Most of what we throw away isn’t trash; most of it is compostable and recyclable,” he noted. By changing the collection structure, officials aim to enhance composting and recycling efforts, thus ensuring cleaner recyclables.
The controversy arises as the Massachusetts DEP considers expanding the state’s food waste disposal ban. The proposed two-stage plan aims to prohibit commercial food waste disposal by 2028, followed by a potential ban on residential disposal no earlier than November 2030. For this initiative to be successful, officials have stated the need for thorough public engagement and feedback.
In 2022, a task force was established in Medford to develop guidelines for more effective waste collection. According to Steve Smirti, the city’s director of communications, the task force reached a consensus advocating for a biweekly trash collection model and the establishment of a curbside composting program. “For financial and environmental reasons, especially, the Mayor agreed,” Smirti said.
City Councilor Kit Collins, who was part of the task force, expressed her surprise at the manner of the announcement. “I had no idea that this was how the administration was planning to roll out this change,” she remarked, highlighting the need for community outreach before implementing major changes to waste collection services.
The public backlash has prompted city officials to reassess their communication strategies, focusing on education and soliciting input from residents regarding the proposed changes. Smirti stated that while the Mayor believes the Council supports the plan, she is open to adjusting it based on community feedback.
Concerned resident Cheryl Rodriguez warned that biweekly trash collection may lead to unsanitary conditions reminiscent of the trash strike experienced in nearby Malden last summer. “Biweekly trash pickup is disgusting and irresponsible,” Rodriguez said, cautioning that it could exacerbate local issues with pests.
As the debate continues, Medford’s residents and officials are grappling with the implications of the proposed service changes and the broader environmental goals the city aims to achieve. The outcome of this discussion will shape not only the future of waste collection in Medford but also the community’s environmental commitment in the face of growing challenges.
