FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

CONTACT:

Nick Breault

Executive Secretary

Town of East Longmeadow

Phone (413) 525-5400 ext. 420

Fax (413) 525-1025

nbreault@eastlongmeadow.org

WASTE REDUCTION ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Board of Selectmen, in conjunction with the Solid Waste Advisory Team, made several announcements regarding the town’s waste reduction program. The first announcement is to congratulate residents on their efforts to make the new Waste Reduction Program a success. During the month of August the amount of recycling has increased by 19.1% and the amount of trash dumped has declined 25.1% compared with August 2004. These figures, combined with those of July, amount to an estimated $16,000 in savings on disposal costs, before factoring in the increase in revenue from the recycling.

John Claffey, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen said, “The numbers we are seeing are consistent with what the DEP said we could expect. The citizens of East Longmeadow are to be congratulated for their efforts.”

James Driscoll, Chairman of the Board of Health added, “Retail sales of Town bags have dramatically decreased, further demonstrating that this program is widely successful.”

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The next announcement is to inform residents that there will be regular pickup of trash on Monday, October 10, 2005. Columbus Day is not a holiday that will affect the normal pickup schedule and trash will be picked up Monday through Friday that week. Residents are reminded that this will be a paper recycling week.

Residents are reminded to place their waste on their curbside no later than 7:00 a.m. on the day of their scheduled pickup. Central Mass Disposal will operate in East Longmeadow between the hours of 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., and residents are asked to keep their waste out until at least 6:00 p.m.

In the event that a pickup has not been made by that time residents are asked to contact Central Mass Disposal at 1-800-352-2355 and leave their address. Central Mass Disposal will pick up the waste on the next day. Residents may also contact the Board of Selectmen’s Office at 413-525-5400 ext. 420 should they need additional assistance.

The SWAT announced that it now has an email address that residents can send questions, comments and suggestions regarding the new waste reduction program. SWAT@eastlongmeadow.org is now operational. Emails sent to this address will be considered during SWAT meetings.

Finally, residents can still pick up recycling flyers with calendars, recycling stickers and blue recycling bins by going to the Board of Selectmen’s Office during regular business hours. Each of these materials is free of charge and will be distributed until supplies run out.

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