Salem town leaders are currently reviewing a proposal to discontinue the town’s recycling program as part of a broader effort to balance the municipal budget. The discussion took place at the recent Town Council meeting, where officials highlighted the financial strain the program places on taxpayers.
Budget pressures drive the proposal
Town Council Vice Chairman Joe Sweeney explained that eliminating the recycling service could reduce the town’s expenses by roughly $65,000. He noted that processing a ton of recyclable material now costs about 20% more than simply hauling the same amount to a landfill.
“When recycling comes in that can’t actually be recycled, we end up paying $171 per ton for the recycling service and then another $145 per ton to treat it as trash,” Sweeney said. “That double charge is a heavy burden on our budget.”
What a cut would mean for residents
If the council votes to end the program, residents would still be able to recycle, but they would need to contract private companies and cover the cost themselves. The town would no longer collect recyclables on its regular trash routes, shifting the responsibility to households and businesses.
Public input and next steps
Before any final decision is made, the budget committee will hold a public hearing to gather community feedback. Voters will also have a chance to weigh in at a town meeting scheduled for January, with a final vote expected in March.
The proposal reflects a broader trend among small municipalities seeking to trim non‑essential services while maintaining essential public safety and infrastructure functions. Council members emphasized that the town remains committed to providing reliable trash collection and other core services.
Community response
Some residents have expressed concern that a private recycling option could increase costs for families, particularly those on fixed incomes. Others argue that the savings could be redirected to improve road maintenance and public safety, aligning with the town’s fiscal responsibility goals.
Council members encouraged anyone with questions or comments to attend the upcoming public meeting, where they can share their perspectives directly with elected officials.
Looking ahead
The council’s decision will set a precedent for how Salem manages its budget constraints moving forward. Whether the town chooses to retain the recycling program or shift to a private‑sector model, the outcome will have a lasting impact on both the environment and the community’s finances.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
