Recycling & Solid Waste Advisory Committee
Advising Yarmouth on waste reduction, recycling programs, and sustainable solid waste management practices
Committee Members
| Name | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bill Glass | Chair | Active |
| Abbi Santos | Member | Active |
| Harold Burlingame | Member | Active |
| Brian Braginton-Smith | Member | Active |
| William Boyd | Member | Active |
Source: yarmouth.ma.us — Recycling & Solid Waste Advisory Directory
What the Committee Does
♻️ Recycling Programs
Oversees and advises on Yarmouth’s curbside recycling program, drop-off center operations, and special collections. Works to maximize recycling rates and reduce contamination in the recycling stream to meet state mandates.
🌿 Composting & Organics
Promotes backyard composting, food waste diversion, and yard waste programs. Advises on organics composting initiatives to reduce the town’s contribution to regional landfills and waste-to-energy facilities.
💰 Cost Reduction
Analyzes disposal costs and advises on strategies to reduce tipping fees and hauling expenses. Regional coordination through SRRC and state programs helps Yarmouth access better pricing and emerging waste management technologies.
📣 Public Education
Develops and promotes community education campaigns about proper disposal, recycling “dos and don’ts,” hazardous waste drop-off events, and electronics recycling opportunities available to Yarmouth residents.
Active Issues & Current Focus
Since China’s 2018 National Sword policy, recycling markets have been volatile. The committee is working on strategies to ensure Yarmouth’s recyclables have viable end markets and are not being landfilled despite collection.
Coordinating annual HHW drop-off events for safe disposal of paint, pesticides, electronics, and other materials that cannot go in curbside bins. Increasing frequency and accessibility of these events is an ongoing priority.
Massachusetts banned disposal of commercial food waste in 2022. The committee is advising on how to expand organics collection to residential sources and help Yarmouth businesses comply with state requirements.
Following the town’s plastic bag ban, the committee continues to track opportunities for further single-use plastic reduction in line with state trends and neighboring towns’ successful programs.
Meetings & Agendas
The Recycling & Solid Waste Advisory Committee meets monthly at Yarmouth Town Hall. Meeting dates, agendas, and minutes are posted on the town’s Agenda Center. Meetings are open to the public.
Public Participation
Residents are encouraged to attend meetings and share feedback on recycling programs, pickup schedules, and waste management concerns. The committee actively seeks community input to improve Yarmouth’s sustainability programs. Contact the committee through the town’s official website or speak during public comment at any regular meeting.
Yarmouth diverts over 30% of its waste from landfill through recycling and composting.