UPDATED: City Council is Not Eying Cuts To Framingham Recycling Center

Originally posted at 9:15 a.m. on May 29. Last updated at 4:27 p.m.

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FRAMINGHAM – The Framingham City Council is not looking at cuts to the Framingham Recycling Center, said City Council Chair George King Jr.

SOURCE has received several texts, emails, and Facebook messages this week that the City Council is looking to “privatize” or “reduce hours” at the recycling center at 255 Mount Wayte Avenue, run by the Department of Public Works.

SOURCE reached out to DPW Director Blake Lukis, Framingham City Council Chair King, and Finance Subcommittee Chair Adam Steiner, but for comment.

The City Council’s finance subcommittee for the last 3 weeks has been reviewing Mayor Spicer’s proposed $307 million budget. The subcommittee has repeatedly said it is not interested in cutting “front-facing public services,” which would include the recycling center.

Residents told SOURCE they were told the City Council wants to cut the budget of the Recycling Center.

King said it was “never discussed.”

The Recycling Drop-Off Center is located at 255 Mount Wayte Avenue.

It is open on Thursday for recycling only from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

It is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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“The Recycling Center is not closing,” said Framingham Department of Public Works Director Blake Lukis. “Through the budget process with the Finance Subcommittee, we did, in fact, reduce the Sanitation budget by $88,760 from our original submittal.  The reductions were part of a good faith effort to reduce the entire Municipal side of the budget to a total of $1.2-$1.3 million. The reduction does not impact any services.”

Lukis said “tis year’s budget restores the reduced curbside leaf and brush collection and second hazardous waste day, which were eliminated in our FY21 budget reductions.”

“The majority of the reduction was found through the cost of recycling ($50,000), as we were able to finalize our recycling tipping fees which came in less than our preliminary estimate from the vendor.  The remaining reductions included minor impacts to the following line items: Personnel Services (reduction of summer hire and turnover savings), rental equipment, hazardous waste, and police detail,” said Lukis.

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The recycling center is for permitted Framingham residents and local businesses only. A valid permit is required. Permits are not transferable.

All customers must stop at the guard shack first. Waste limits are consistent with the allowable limits of the curbside collection program.

All materials covered under the state waste bans must be handled appropriately. Materials must be separated according to these guidelines.

All users must pay a per-item fee to dispose of the following: carpeting, bulky soft goods, freon-containing items, propane tanks, sleeper sofas, televisions, computers, and tires.

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RESIDENTIAL PERMITS ARE AVAILABLE AT TWO LOCATIONS:

• Mount Wayte Avenue Recycling Drop-Off Center during normal hours of operation
• Public Works’ Colonna Building, 100 Western Avenue (Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Present vehicle registration at the time of purchase and allow the attendant to make a copy. Registration must be current, non-commercial, and show a Framingham address. For leased vehicles, the accompanying insurance policy showing a Framingham address must be presented.

Residents whose vehicles do not conform to the above requirements may complete a non-conforming vehicle application form for permit consideration.

Pay the $20 fee with cash or check.

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