Drive around Stafford's Borough district on trash pickup day and you'll see everything from trash bags set out on the sidewalk to small recycling bins from other towns (in my neighborhood, there's one from Springfield, MA) to too-small trash cans overflowing with garbage. As a result, you'll also see runaway trash, and on windy days, the trash cans themselves often decide to take a jaunt down the road. (I've chased mine down more than once.) But, hopefully, that will soon be a thing of the past.
According to an announcement from Stafford's Department of Public Works: "The Town of Stafford recently entered into a new agreement with All American Waste for trash and recycling services in its Service District for one- and two-family homes. As a part of the agreement, we will be making changes to our waste management program that will not only make the collection more convenient, but also contribute to a cleaner environment. Between November 1st-3rd, we are rolling out new trash and recycling carts. The trash cart is grey, and the recycling cart is blue. Should you sell your home, the carts need to remain at the residence."
The change should allow for greater capacity, though all materials must be inside the trash cart. The secure lids on the carts should also "prevent spillage, keeping our streets organized, clean, and free of loose materials." While trash collection will continue on a weekly basis, recycling collection will move to a biweekly schedule. Pickup time may change depending on the route.
Check out the pick-up calendar here; shaded weeks are recycling pick-up weeks.
Because residents are likely to be left with trash cans and other bins they may no longer need, All American Waste will provide a recycling outlet at the transfer station (80 Upper Road). From November 1 – December 1, residents can drop off their old bins and barrels at no cost to you.
And this seems like a good time to remind yourself of what's actually recyclable!