Citizens this week took advantage of the opportunity to listen, learn, share their experiences, and contribute ideas to shape Milton’s long-term strategy for recycling, household waste, and more.

They did so during a pair of public info and input sessions last Wednesday and Thursday at City Hall. Public Works Director Sara Leaders and Allison Trulock, from the City’s partners at NewGen Strategies and Solutions, guided the discussion. But the Milton residents in the audience were the real focal points, part of the City’s mission to craft a Recycling and Solid Waste Management Plan (RSWMP) that reflects the community’s needs, experiences, and desires.

Attendees heard historical background on this project, estimations of how much waste the average Milton household produces annually (1540 pounds in solid waste and 420 pounds in recycling), and projections of how the situation will likely change as Milton’s population grows. The presenters then walked through the broad parameters of what will be in the RSWMP, including these five goals:

• Increase recycling and diversion rates
• Improve curbside recycling
• Enhance organics management (yard waste, food waste)
• Promote sustainable practices
• Promote a Reliable and Trustworthy Recycling and Diversion Program

Before, during, and after this presentation, an engaged audience weighed in regularly with valuable feedback. There was talk, for instance, about requirements for haulers as well as how to enforce when companies don’t meet those obligations. The group also discussed the idea of potentially having a mix of haulers – perhaps one for household garbage, another for recycling, and a third for yard waste. Compositing was a topic of discussion as well. 

This and previously gathered feedback will inform the final Recycling and Solid Waste Management Plan. This document will not directly institute any specific policy changes, nor will it initiate new projects or programs. But it will serve as a useful, important roadmap for City leaders on what steps to take going forward.

For more information, go to www.miltonga.gov/RSWMP.