Like Red Sox, Waste Coordinator Sees Teamwork in Automation Rollout

In an update on Braintree's waste automation program, Recycling Coordinator Jeffrey Kunz praised residents for their efforts the past few weeks, noting that the vast majority of households are now up to speed.

"The Red Sox win Saturday night reminds us that a team effort is necessary if we’re going to accomplish anything difficult," Kunz said in a statement released by the mayor's office Monday.

During the first three weeks of collection, more than 80% of Braintree residents followed the instructions for use and placement of the carts, and the town anticipates that number to move quickly to 100 percent, Kunz said.

"Please remember to place the carts with the handles toward the house (not toward the curb), locating the carts far enough apart for the collection arms to efficiently and safely pick them and have your carts curbside by 7:00 AM."

A two-week grace period for those who did not receive waste barrels has ended, and about 200 households have not paid the trash fee, Mayor Joseph Sullivan said in a follow-up interview. Those households are not receiving waste pick-up.

Sullivan said he plans to have data on how recycling rates have been affected by the program after one month's service. 

For more information on waste services, including fall yard waste pickup and the Ivory Street collection center, go to the trash and recycling page on the town website.

"The winning combination of the right outreach and preparation, the right equipment and our residents lining up behind this change has made it a positive one," Kunz said. 

"As Mayor Sullivan noted in a recent mailing, 'In this transition, your cooperation and understanding will help us attain a more cost-effective and efficient trash/
recycling program while improving our environment.'"