The city of Burlington is considering a new waste collection system in which trash, recycling and food scraps would be picked up on the same day. The Burlington Department of Public Works is proposing that the city continue collecting the recycling while private haulers cover different neighborhoods’ trash rather than have a number of companies covering the same streets, WCAX-TV reported. The proposal comes after a study by third-party consultants.
“Our recommendation, we think, is a good balance between achieving the environmental goals, preserving and actually growing good union jobs in the city, and preserving an opportunity for the private sector in a more organized sector to be collecting waste streams in the city,” Public Works Department Direct Chapin Spencer said.
Other benefits would be reduced costs to residents with efficient collection routes, fewer environmental impacts and less stress on roads, he told the station, adding that he wants to hear from residents and haulers about what they want the system to be.