SOUTH HADLEY — An existing pay-as-you-throw system that includes curbside collection of trash and recyclables could remain in place for two more years, even as private vendors push for a transition to using toters, a more expensive but also more automated method, for solid waste management.

While the Select Board is likely to make a decision in March on which approach to use, a public hearing on Tuesday revealed that sticking with the current system, in which Republic Services of Chicopee removes trash and recyclables, would cost the town about $1.125 million next year.

That is based on using the first of two one-year extension options, which includes a 4% increase both years on the current $1.06 million contract.

Town Administrator Lisa Wong said that full pay-as-you-throw is the cheapest option and also has proven effective at limiting what is thrown out. The state average for curbside programs shows 1,270 pounds per household disposed per year, but South Hadley residents are disposing, on average, just under 900 pounds per household with the current program.

“We do believe that changing the program will likely result in more trash and more cost to the town,” Wong said.

Costs for keeping the same collection would rise to $689,000 for the pickup and $434,000 for disposal, up from $650,000 for the pickup and $410,000 for disposal this year.

The current costs are broken down as $556,900 for the manual curbside collection, $8,720 per week for each yard waste collection, and $75,700 for municipal buildings, including schools. There is also a $90-per-ton fee for municipal solid waste and $95.25 for construction and debris disposal, as well as $233 for roll-off hauls to the Holyoke Transfer Station and $243 for roll-off hauls to the Springfield Material Recycling Facility.

Total expenses for the program are around $1.47 million when factoring in operational staff.

The costs to the town are covered by assessing a $125 fee to 6,400 households, bringing in $800,000, and selling the green pay-as-you-throw bags, for $1 or $2 depending on the size, bringing in $550,000.

Residents can also pay a separate $200 annual fee for 26 additional weeks of solid waste collection through a subscription service with Republic.

A toter system, though, with weekly trash and biweekly recycling, would cost the town $1.285 million, and disposal would be in excess of $434,000, Wong said.

There is also the capital investment in the toters, or carts, likely between $925,056 and $1.32 million, though state grants could cover some of that expense. The toters also have an associated maintenance and replacement cost.

Wong said the discussion comes as the state issues its 2030 solid waste plan that aims to reduce the 5.7 million tons of trash collected across the state by 1.7 million tons, and also as two local incinerators, including one in Agawam, have been closed and turned into transfer stations.

Interim Department of Public Works Superintendent John Broderick said everyone wants affordable trash and recycling, but there could be a significant cost increase with toters. Broderick said without open air landfills in Massachusetts, everything has to go out of state, as well, which is driving up costs

Select Board Chairman Jeff Cyr said the board previously talked about toters, but when COVID hit, it was beneficial to stay with the current system.

“Me, personally, I would love to see curbside continue within our community,” Cyr said.

Board member Carol Constant said whatever happens the town should keep pay-as-you-throw as an incentive to limit trash. “I think it’s a very good reason to maintain that, in whatever form we go forward,” Constant said.

Broderick agreed. “If you move away from the pay-as-you-throw, you’ve lost that incentive to use less green bags,” Broderick said.

“Residents should be very proud of what they’ve done,” Broderick added. “Our numbers are fantastic.”

During public comments, Susan Newton of Jewett Lane said she appreciates the thoughtful approach. “I’m all for staying with our current contract,” Newton said.

John Howard of The Knolls asked why toters would ever be considered when bags provide motivation to residents to recycle and compost.

Broderick said vendors are pushing for the toters because workers are less likely to suffer injuries, because they are easier to load onto trucks, and may look better along the street.

“From the vendors’ side, it’s the way the industry is going,” Broderick said.

Cyr said officials will keep an eye on surrounding communities, adding that South Hadley is fortunate to have municipal curbside pickup, unlike Amherst.

“Amherst doesn’t offer anything,” Cyr said. “You’re on your own to get to your own dumpster and get your own source of getting rid of waste.”

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.]]>