Solid Waste Action Team, http://www.lexingtonma.org/swat/HomePage.htm

The SWAT Team Charge, 5/28/98

Lexington boasts the first-in-the-state curbside recycling program. Lexington set the pace with household hazardous product collection and is now hosting the state's first permanent household waste collection station. Our integrated pest management program in the public schools is a model for the state and nation. Our town is synonymous with good environmental planning and policy.

A new challenge awaits us. In 2005, our contract with Wheelabrator for the incineration of our municipal solid waste expires. What are we going to do with our trash after that?

Incineration as we've known it is not the answer. It produces dangerous toxins in its emissions and ash. Landfills throughout the state have been closed because of groundwater contamination. We - and every community in the state, indeed the nation - need a new approach to waste disposal.

Given the expertise in this town and our record of setting the pace in sound and cost-effective waste management policies, we herewith appoint a standing Lexington Solid Waste Action Team (SWAT) to shape a waste management policy for Lexington. The Committee, to be chaired by Jill Stein, shall make recommendations to the Board of Selectmen by March 30, 1999. George Woodbury will be the principal staff advisor to the group

We ask that the Committee take a holistic approach in considering, among other things:

  1. Ways to increase participation in our curbside recycling program and our hazardous waste collection.
  2. Complementary pollution and waste minimization strategies for households and businesses in Lexington;
  3. The health effects of waste management choices;
  4. The cost and cost-effectiveness of all waste management options open to us, including the hidden costs of health and environmental impacts;
  5. Ways to increase public awareness of - and responsibility for - waste;
  6. Opportunities for regional cooperation (including, but not limited to, the other NESWC communities);

We also invite the committee to suggest ideas for possible inclusion in the state's solid waste master plan and/or legislative action at the state or federal level.
 
 Return to SWAT Home Page