Vernon’s
Trash, Recycling & Composting
Over four years ago the Selectboard challenged the residents of Vernon to reduce the amount of trash they were putting out to the curb and increase the amount of materials being recycled. The above chart is an indication of how we have done in decreasing our trash. The four columns represent the amount of trash from the beginning of the fiscal year (July) to the end of November. In 2007-2008 we produced 367.61 tons of trash during that timeframe. In 2008-2009 we decreased our trash output by 27.88 tons producing 339.73 tons. In the same time period for 2009-2010 we have produced 335.88 tons which is 3.88 tons less than the previous year. So far this year we have produced 322.16 tons of trash which is 13.72 tons less than last year and a whopping 54.45 tons less than where we were back in 2007.
Although actual tonnage of recycled materials is unavailable, our three recycling containers are each filled to capacity, sometimes overflowing, on a weekly basis. Additionally, the town has offered a composting program on Saturdays for over a year now. The two cubic yard dumpster located next to the recycling bins has consistently been close to filled each week and many residents enjoy the ability to utilize this program. The heaviest component of our trash is compostable materials and the more residents begin to use this program the less we will spend on tipping fees.
The good news is Vernon has made great strides in reducing trash being sent to landfills and increasing recycling and composting. This has not only been good for the environment, but also an easy way to save a few tax dollars by decreasing our tipping fees.
The bad news is we still have a long way to go. There are still many tons of recyclable and compostable materials being put out in the trash. You may not think “a little cardboard” in the trash may add up, but when you couple that with all of the recyclable materials going in here and there the weight adds up quickly. Additionally, we are beginning to find a lot of trash or non-recyclable items in our recycling bins. When this happens it needs to be manually removed and disposed of, the cost of which is incurred by the Windham Solid Waste Management District. If the trash in our recycling bins gets any worse than it is now that cost may be directed back at the town. Please be sure that what you are recycling is actually on the list of materials that can be recycled in our district.
Thanks to all of the Vernon residents who are participating in this ongoing challenge. Hopefully we can continue to help out the environment and in return save a little money by reducing our tax dollars which go towards tipping fees. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Selectboard member Michael Courtemanche.