Amendment - Chapter 90, Section 9 "Regulation of Refuse Disposal"
Adopted
Result
117
Yes
49
No
2
Abstain
Activity summary
Adopted (117-49-2)
Vote
18
Discussion threads
Community discussion
18 threads.
Arguments for
The measure allows residents the ability to pay reasonable fees for extra pickup services rather than having all services strictly limited or mandated.
— Jeremy Levitan, Pct N/A
The change is good for the town and the Select Board can be trusted to provide relief for needy residents once the full program is developed.
— Tom Díaz, Pct 8
Arguments against
The plan lacks transparency regarding the 'free' threshold level, specific fee amounts, and exemptions, making it difficult for citizens to make an informed vote.
— Steven Kaufman, Pct 5
The ballot language is vague and fails to use clear explanatory language to help voters understand what they are affirming or overturning.
— Catherine Yan, Pct 5
Due to the universal impact of trash collection on daily life, the issue should be decided by a town-wide referendum rather than just Town Meeting.
— Brian Kelley, Pct 6
Voters should not be ignored, noting that previous referendum attempts on similar topics saw high turnout and strong disagreement with Town Meeting decisions.
— John F. Rossi, Pct N/A
Key questions raised
When will fees for bulky items start and what communication outreach is planned to inform residents?
— Jenny Richlin, Pct 4
What is the specific definition of the 'bin' being referred to and how much will a second bin cost?
— Diana J. Donovan, Pct N/A
What equity accommodations are being made for seniors and the disabled?
— Catherine Yan, Pct 5
Is the policy a 'one bin' policy covering trash, recycling, and composting?
— Bridger McGaw, Pct N/A
Discussion threads
Jenny Richlin
Pct 4
36 msgs
Does anyone know if fees for bulky items will be starting on July 1 as noted in the Draft Fee Schedule created by the WRTF? The schedule was in the presentation titled, "Waste Reduction & Modernizatio…
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…
Catherine Yan
24 msgs
Can I ask this group what is currently still on the table with regards to Article 31 for TMM (in the context of decision making etc) and/or for the town (is there a possibility of referendum/town wide…
Matt Daggett
Pct 2
19 msgs
Saw this in Winchester today. Matt Daggett Precinct 2
John Rossi
15 msgs
The Commission on Disability unanimously opposes passage of Article 31. Disability is a condition which effects the lives of a significant cross section of our community. It causes physical, emotional…
Jenny Richlin
Pct 4
9 msgs
Fellow Town Meeting Members, I am in favor of the idea of residents paying for excess trash and would like to vote yes on Article 31; however, I have concerns about the article as it currently stands …
Mboudett
Pct 4
4 msgs
Fellow TMMs - I intend to vote yes tomorrow evening. I would like to address one recurring point in the email threads: that some members are considering voting no because there’s not a specific propos…
Deepika Sawhney
Pct 6
1 msg
Dear Town Meeting Members Many may not have had the opportunity to visit the North Andover Incinerator. Here is a first person account, as an additional data point. See pictures attached*. In November…
Nicola Sykes
1 msg
I thought Steve's response to me was private, so I responded to him off list. But now I see that it wasnt, so I will also post my response. I agree 100% (about focusing on substance). But also, oppone…
Deborah Brown
1 msg
Dear Town Meeting members, Below is an updated Town Meeting schedule that takes us through Monday, May 4. Please plan accordingly. Deborah 617-512-7901 ATM 2026 schedule - updated 4/28/2026 **Deadline…
Nicola Sykes
Pct 8
1 msg
Thank you
I was just reading responses to the article 31 discussion, and really appreciating the thought that folks are putting into what they have to say. It feels like a good, robust conversation where people…
Sara Bothwell Allen
Pct 6
1 msg
Article 31 support courtesy post
I am posting the following message on behalf of precinct 6 resident, Priti Kumar. -Sara Bothwell Allen Precinct 6 Dear Town Meeting Members, I urge you to vote YES on Article 31 — a smarter, more equi…
Ricki Pappo
Pct 2
1 msg
Article 31
Dear TMMAs, I spoke at the Yes line on Monday evening however since there was a lot of confusion going on as it was difficult for folks to participatie I'm posting my remarks here. I have lived in Lex…
Ricki Pappo
Pct 2
1 msg
Support for article 31
I am posting a courtesy post for Meera Yuvaraj. Ricki Pappo Pct 2 Begin forwarded message:
Vicki Blier
Pct 9
1 msg
Courtesy Post for Kavitha Venkatesan,
Dear Town Meeting Members, I ask you to vote YES on Article 31 — a smarter, more equitable approach to waste management in Lexington. The Bottom Line Lexington currently offers every household six bar…
TODD BURGER
Pct 9
1 msg
Courtesy Posts on Article 31
While I have not yet taken a position on Article 31, I am passing along as a courtesy post, the message below, on behalf of Kavitha Venkatesan, 9 Audubon Rd, Lexington (Precinct 9). Dear Town Meeting …
Kunal Botla
Pct 4
1 msg
Courtesy Post on Article 31 for Ravneet Grewal
Please find a courtesy post on Article 31 from Ravneet Grewal below. Kunal Botla Precinct 4 -- Kunal Botla [he/him] kunalbotla.com | LinkedIn Begin forwarded message: From: Ravneet Grewal Subject: Res…
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…