Added trash pickup points to cost $15,000

Feb 16, 2016

One hundred and five new residences may be added to Mattapoisett’s trash pickup, pending budget approval at Annual Town Meeting.

On Tuesday, the Board of Health signed three proposals with ABC Disposal Inc. that would add three private developments to the pickup schedule. Until recently, the private housing developments at the Village at Mattapoisett, the Bay Club and Brandt Point had a stipulation in their permits that required them to pay for their trash disposal.

The developments asked to change that, saying the wording of the contract with ABC Disposal includes all residences.

The Planning Board approved changes to the developments’ original permits, allowing for pickup under the current contract, though it could revert to the original covenant if the contract changes. The group said the next stop for developments was to petition the Board of Health.

But Board of Health member Carmelo Nicolosi sought to clarify that comment, saying that his board did not need to approve the developments before they could receive pickup.

“We don’t have any regulations or bylaw that prohibits anyone [from trash pickup],” he said. “The Planning Board had covenants on these projects. They relinquished these covenants. We don’t have any regulation in place that would supersede that. What we’re doing is preparing the budget for next year and making sure those figures are included.”

Adding those new stops does cost the town more money as the contract with ABC Disposal was based on 3,100 stops.

Brandt Point, which currently has only four houses was added to the route without added cost, but with 49 units in the Bay Club and 36 at the Village condos, the contract cost does increase.

Mattapoisett Landing, with 20 units, may also seek a change to its covenant with the town to receive trash pickup.

To add the developments, Board of Health Agent Dale Barrows negotiated an amendment to the current contract with ABC Disposal. The 105 residences would add $15,100 to the current $396,550 contract for trash and recycling pickup, but it would not take effect until July 1.

Of course, residents in these private developments have been paying taxes that go towards garbage disposal without receiving the benefit of it.

Before these new units receive trash and recycling pickup through the town voters at Town Meeting will be asked to approve a budget that includes the added cost.