Aldermen Determine New Recycling Procedures

Tuesday evening the held a special meeting to discuss proposed revisions to Chapter 6 of the Articles 1, 2 and 3 were to be discussed, but the agenda went awry when of took over the meeting. Production of funds and fees instead of revisions to the plan of action remained the focus of the meeting.

“The changes made are insignificant,” DiMauro said.

The ordinance in question would change the procedures of in Shelton. As of July 1, refuse will no longer be transferred to Stratford. Other changes include the weight limit of and bulk items moving up from 50 to 60 pounds and occupants of private dwellings may now be able to place their garbage at the curb the night before pick up instead of the morning of. Wording in sections 6-12, 6-65 and 6-67 were changed as well.

“When stuff is left at the curb it belongs to the city of Shelton,” DiMauro explained. “If rummaged through, it becomes a violation of the ordinance,” DiMauro stated.

A $250 fine would be charged to anyone in violation of this ordinance per offense, according to section 6-14 of the proposed revisions. Other penalties can be applied to offenders as well, according to section 6-14.

Steps Desired and Plans for the Future

DiMauro suggested that a bond be created to purchase recycling bins for the entire town. The possibility of pulling money from reserves was not discussed, leaving the only option to spending more.

“The bins are guaranteed for ten-years and they are $50 a piece to replace,” he explained.

 Any references that DiMauro is granted will be subject to approval by the, according to section 6-14.

DiMauro would like to see a single contract stating requirements of duel stream recycling and curbside pickup. Currently there are two separate contracts; by July 1 residents will see this change, according to DiMauro.

DiMauro would like to see the town continue on with duel stream recycling, but acknowledges the fact that single stream recycling would be more convenient for residents. He thinks that a single stream recycling process would attract more residents to recycle, saving the town more money in the long run. A process would mean that the public could throw almost any clean and uncontaminated recyclable into one bin without having to worry about separating items properly.

“Cereal boxes, soap bottles and shampoo bottles will all go into single stream,” DiMauro explained. “This makes things convenient for people.”

What the Public Needs to Know

Shelton will continue to use duel recycling until a designated date. Continue to separate your recyclables properly until further notification. Always clean the products you want to recycle; contaminated recyclables will not be accepted, will be thrown in the trash and will only cause a fowl smelling recycling area.  All changes made to the ordinance can be found at http://www.cityofshelton.org/. There will be a public hearing on this ordinance at City Hall on Tuesday, June 28 at 7pm.