News Flash Home
The original item was published from 9/8/2020 11:59:14 AM to 9/9/2021 12:00:02 AM.

News Flash

City of Malden News

Posted on: September 8, 2020

[ARCHIVED] Mayor Pushes Forward on Trash & Recycling Changes

In February, Mayor Christenson submitted to the City Council a proposal to modernize the solid waste program. Ever since the City introduced the Pay as you Throw (PAYT) system in 2008 under then Mayor Richard Howard, residents have sought changes to make the program more convenient for residents while maintaining the positive benefits that came with the change.

“When PAYT was implemented, the City’s recycling rate skyrocketed and tonnage for trash disposal decreased dramatically,” commented Mayor Gary Christenson.  “This has resulted in huge savings for our taxpayers, particularly as solid waste charges continued to increase while the recycling markets fell apart. The days of unlimited trash disposal are unfortunately over. But we have heard loud and clear that our residents want an alternative.” 

Over the summer, the City of Malden held several resident meetings with feedback. In addition to feedback from residents hoping for alternatives to buying blue bags, the City also heard from just as many residents who support the current system, as it allows them to realize the savings from their reduced trash production. “We looked at going to a flat rate system like you see in many communities, such as Melrose. Under such a system, a two-family home pays $400 per year for trash services. But we heard from many residents who currently can limit their trash production where they are spending 25% of that amount. We therefore refocused efforts on a system that would appeal to a diverse resident base, many of whom have already embraced the concept of trash reduction,” said Christenson. In response, the Mayor has proposed a program where residents have the option to pay an annual trash disposal fee or continue to purchase the PAYT bags. 

Under the Mayor’s proposal, each qualifying residential unit would receive two City of Malden issued 35-gallon, commercial quality, covered toters. One would be for recycling, and an added benefit is that residents would no longer need to separate recycling. The second would be for trash. Residents would have the option to continue to utilize the PAYT bags in those receptacles, or to purchase an annual tag for the barrel, therefore allowing them to fill it weekly with typical consumer trash bags. “This system first and foremost gives our residents options,” commented Christenson. “Even for the resident who chooses to continue with the PAYT bags, by providing a barrel to contain the trash, we will have succeeded in keeping our streets cleaner and helping to contain rodents and other unwanted animals from getting into the trash.” Under the Mayor’s proposal, residents could purchase additional barrels and tags to help meet their trash and recycling needs.

The Mayor has submitted a request for a $1.2 million appropriation to the City Council to fund the barrel purchase to move this initiative forward. “When COVID-19 hit, we paused to see what the state would do with local aid. While the financial future remains challenging, this is something we know our residents want and we have therefore prioritized it, even given among the uncertainty,” commented Christenson.

The above article appeared in the Advocate and was written by Steve Freker.

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in City of Malden News

ARPA - YMCA

City Awards ARPA Funds to YMCA

Posted on: February 21, 2023
rock spot

Grand Opening of Rock Spot Climbing

Posted on: January 12, 2023
City of Malden Trash Holiday (2)

“Trash Holiday”

Posted on: December 13, 2022
Butch Lessard

Longtime City Employee Celebrates 25 Years

Posted on: December 14, 2022
Trash Tag 2023 Greenpng

2023 Trash Tags Now Available!

Posted on: December 13, 2022
Rosene Wine

Malden Artist Brightens City Hall

Posted on: December 1, 2022
Maureen McGaffigan 80th

Maureen McGaffigan Celebrates 80 Years

Posted on: November 30, 2022
Afnaan - 2

Malden Student Recognized for Advocacy

Posted on: November 22, 2022
Enoch Woodhouse

Celebrating a True American Hero

Posted on: November 17, 2022
Carmella and Bill Nelson

Celebrating a Platinum Anniversary!

Posted on: November 17, 2022
Lincoln Commons

Improved Lighting on Lincoln Commons

Posted on: November 15, 2022
News from the City of Malden

City Awarded Grant for Kierstead Park

Posted on: November 8, 2022
Malden Alerts Flyer (1)

Malden’s Alert System is Being Updated

Posted on: November 8, 2022
Blue Bike Photo

Bluebikes in Malden!

Posted on: October 20, 2022
axon battery camera 3

Malden Police Body-Worn Camera Program

Posted on: October 20, 2022
Floramos

Grand Opening of Floramo’s Restaurant

Posted on: October 11, 2022
Blue Ocean Nails Bar

Grand Opening of Blue Ocean Nails Bar

Posted on: October 11, 2022
ARPA

City Awards ARPA Funds to Local Non-Profits

Posted on: September 26, 2022
Procopio Family

Celebrating a Diamond Anniversary

Posted on: September 15, 2022
Public Safety Day flyer (2)

Malden’s 4th Annual Public Safety Day

Posted on: September 13, 2022
08 - Sylvain Counseling Services

Sylvain Counseling Services Grand Opening

Posted on: September 13, 2022
Ryan Dos Santos

Mayor Thanks Local Hero for Stepping In

Posted on: September 13, 2022
Green Malden

City Announces New Green Malden Initiative

Posted on: September 7, 2022
Riverrendering

City awarded Grant for Malden River Works

Posted on: September 1, 2022
Green Communities

Malden Plugs Away at Energy Conservation

Posted on: September 1, 2022
Top Cars

Top Cars Motor Group Grand Opening

Posted on: August 25, 2022
Mystic Valley Salon

Grand Opening of Mystic Valley Salon

Posted on: August 23, 2022
Malden Climate Action Logo

Malden Announces Climate Action Plan

Posted on: August 11, 2022
Challenger Day

Malden to Host Challenger Day Games

Posted on: August 10, 2022
NNO photo

2022 National Night Out

Posted on: August 4, 2022
Converse Family Reunion at Fellsmere Park

City Hosts Converse Family Reunion

Posted on: July 5, 2022
Art at city hall

Malden Artists Collaborate

Posted on: June 23, 2022
Food link

Mayor Tours Food Link in Arlington

Posted on: June 9, 2022
Downtown Paw

Grand Opening of The Downtown Paw

Posted on: March 24, 2022