Recycle Advisory Committee

NARRATIVE:

The Town of Bridgton operates a transfer station that has the capacity to accept separated recyclable materials from the waste stream.  Over the course of years the recycling efforts have improved to the current practice of “Single Sort” which further encourages the separation of recyclables and has the ability to reduce the Town’s overall costs associated with disposal.  To guide the Select Board in matters of waste streams and recycling, a committee was established.

MISSION AND CHARGE:

The Recycling Committee is charged with the efforts to improve the recycling rate of the Town while reducing the disposal costs associated with the waste stream.  Committee members shall become knowledgeable in the general operations of the transfer station, methods of disposal and recycling.  Working with the Station Manager, town staff and Ecomaine as well as the community, the Committee shall recommend to the Select Board those policies, practices and procedures that might assist the Town in reducing its disposal costs.  The Committee shall recommend any ordinance changes necessary to support the reduction of solid waste disposal costs, improve recycling opportunities and rates and provide other recommendations for consideration by the Select Board.

AUTHORITY:

The Committee shall report to the Select Board at least quarterly, the work and progress they have achieved on various assignments and issues.  As an advisory committee, the Recycling Committee makes recommendations to the Board for consideration. The Committee may request volunteers to assist their efforts, however such persons are not considered voting members of the Committee.  The Committee may request additional authorization drom the Select Board for specific activities.

APPOINTMENTS:

Members are appointed by the Select Board on an annual basis, usually in January of each year.  The Board may also appoint members during the year as they deem necessary.

MEETINGS:

The Committee shall hold regular public meetings, be responsible for the creation and posting of all agendas and the creation of the public record of each meeting in accordance with the prevailing state law.  Such records shall be forwarded to the Select Board and any other entities they are working with.

AMENDMENTS:

The Select Board may amend the Mission and Charge as they deem appropriate.

The Town is fortunate to have a recycling committee whose members are appointed by the Select Board. Interested Bridgton residents may apply through the Town Office and use the application form on this website. The committee meets one time per month and works on various projects that have been approved by the Select Board.

Recycling Study

The Recycling Committee recently completed an in-depth study of the various options with regards to our trash (MSW) and recyclable disposal and hauling.  The full report is available here:

2014 Recycling Study

The recycling committee would love to hear from you and ways that we can improve the recycling rate in our town, particularly your thoughts on the following questions:

1) Why don’t you think people recycle?

2) What do you think would be the best way to change that behavior?

3) What would be the most effective way to educate people about recycling?

Email us your thoughts and suggestions at bridgtonrecyclingcommittee@yahoo.com, or fill out the form below: