Appropriate for Trash/Recycling Bins
Adopted
Result
143
Yes
29
No
9
Abstain
Activity summary
Adopted (143-29-9)
Vote
14
Discussion threads
Community discussion
14 threads.
Arguments for
Standardizing on high-quality Toter pails instead of Otto pails would reduce long-term costs by decreasing the frequency of replacement due to damage.
— Todd Burger
Allowing residents to keep existing high-quality Toter bins by using labels or RFID tags would prevent unnecessary plastic waste and save the town money on new purchases.
— Todd Burger
Standardizing on 32 and 48-gallon carts, while allowing larger sizes for a fee, would provide equity and better manage waste.
— Todd Burger
The town should use its purchasing power for thousands of bins to negotiate better leverage with suppliers.
— Peter Shapiro, Pct 4
Implementing PAYT (Pay-As-You-Throw) systems can reduce residential trash by roughly 30%.
— Suman
Arguments against
Forcing the recycling of perfectly good existing bins creates unnecessary plastic waste and taxpayer expense.
— Todd Burger
The bylaw change is premature because key implementation details, such as how old bins will actually be recycled, remain unresolved.
— Bridger McGaw
The town should focus more effort on composting initiatives rather than the one-time disposal issue of trash barrels.
— Meg Muckenhoupt, Pct 1
Key questions raised
If Toter bins are more durable and cost-competitive, why not standardize on them?
— Peter Shapiro, Pct 4
Are there technical reasons why automated pickup arms couldn't manage Toter bins versus Otto bins?
— Peter Shapiro, Pct 4
Why is Town Meeting being asked to change the bylaw before the implementation plan and policies are finalized?
— Steven Kaufman
How exactly are old bins intended to be recycled, given the lack of viable existing programs?
— Bridger McGaw
Discussion threads
Ruth Thomas
31 msgs
Courtesy post for Peter C. J. Kelley. Ruth Thomas TMM4 March 24, 2026 To: Town Meeting Members From: Peter Kelley Re: Warrant Articles 23 and 31 I ask all Town Meeting Members to VOTE NO on Article 23…
TODD BURGER
25 msgs
While Article 23 passed, there is still time to encourage the town to get the implementation right, save money and avoid plastic waste. Since the Lex Observer misunderstood my remarks in TM, maybe you…
Peter Shapiro
Pct 4
20 msgs
Following is copied from an FAQ concerning flexibility of Article 23's proposed automated trash collection to deal with recycling and trash that does not fit within standard bins. Full Question: Curre…
Peter Shapiro
Pct 4
15 msgs
Article 23 proponents predict that the town will not incur significant cost from the affordable housing development at 116 Vine after we contribute the land at a concessionary cost and possibly also n…
Elizabeth Mettetal
Pct 9
14 msgs
Hi everyone, I've been hearing from neighbors about the trash proposals (Articles 23 & 31) and I have a comment/question. While I am open to the transition to automated collection and generally suppor…
Avram Baskin
10 msgs
I am voting “yes” on Article 23 and the related Article 31. But I also have some concerns about unintended social and environmental justice consequences from our decisions. As a town we have repeatedl…
Ken Shine
Pct 2
4 msgs
I have a question regarding Article 23; appropriate for trash/recycling bins which requests $1,204,000. The article presentation states that this will result in reduced cost.s Given the reduced costs,…
Pam Lyons
3 msgs
Town Meeting Members - I am forwarding an email from Harry and Carol Hemond, residents at 104 Vine Street, regarding Article 23. See attachment above. Thanks and have a good evening - Pamela Lyons Pre…
Kathleen Lenihan
2 msgs
Has there been any discussion in conjunction with Article 23 about how much plastic is actually recycled? I understand the desire for the town to make a switch to uniform smaller garbage cans and dive…
Laura Swain
1 msg
Dear Town Members, I am writing this for your consideration. I live in 29 Ames Ave, Lexington, MA I urge you to vote Yes on Article 31 for the following reasons. Trash and recycling costs have risen 6…
Vicki Blier
1 msg
Stick to the topic, please: Trying to keep an open mind on automated trash collection -- Article 23
Stick to discussion of automated trash collection. Don't re-litigate the High School during Town Meeting Season. If you have to present a damning quote by a consultant, it should at least be about a s…
Ruth Thomas
Pct 4
1 msg
Article 23: Automated Trash Collection/Article 31 Regulation of Refuse Disposal
Here are waste info web pages from three towns that use automated trash collection. Note the fees charged. Arlington Concord Brookline While I prefer to just toss out plastic bags of trash and not bot…
Wendy Manz
1 msg
Article 23
Fellow Town Meeting Members: I would like to add my voice in support of Article 23. As we know, the article authorizes the Select Board to issue an RFP to qualified affordable housing developers for p…
Vicki Blier
1 msg
Courtesy Post for Melinda Walker- Art 23/Vine St
Article 23 – Vine Street – Who’s Paying the Rent??? I am posting this message as a response to questions on this list the TMMA about municipal financial obligations for all-affordable housing developm…