Waste Reduction & Modernization Program Feedback Survey

  • Waste Reduction & Modernization Program Feedback Survey

  • The Town is exploring changes to the waste collection system that would reduce waste and protect the Town from rising waste collection and disposal costs. Changes under consideration include:

    • Expanding the food waste composting program;
    • Transitioning to an automated collection system with standard bin sizes;
    • Addressing excess waste beyond what fits in a standard bin size; and
    • Creating more accessible diversion opportunities.

    This effort is led by the Waste Reduction Task Force, a group of Town staff and residents. The Task Force has been hosting community meetings to educate the community about these topics and to gather feedback. More information, including Frequently Asked Questions, is available on the Town's Zero Waste webpage.

    Under the updated program, all household would be given one wheeled trash bin and one wheeled recycling bin that would be picked up for free by the Town each week. Excess waste beyond the standard trash bin may incur a fee. Therefore, a key component to this updated program design will be the size of the new trash and recycling bins. This survey is an opportunity to share your input on that question, along with other aspects of the program design. There are bins on display at Cary Memorial Library, the Public Services Building, and the Town Offices to help you visualize each size.

  • Household Information

  • How many people live in your household most months out of the year?*
  • How many 13-gallon kitchen bags does your household typically fill with trash each week?*
  • Which of the following waste reduction programs does your household currently use? (Select all that apply)*

  • Trash Bin Size

  • No decision has been made around the standard size trash bin that would be distributed to households under a switch to automated collection. That being said, there are many benefits to 35-gallon bins. Using 35-gallon bins is a proven waste reduction solution as it encourages more diversion, such as recycling, composting, and reuse. Accordingly, the state provides financial incentives for communities that use 35-gallon bins, including grants to offset the cost to purchase the bins and annual grant funds that can be used to further enhance waste collection programs. Reducing Lexington’s overall trash production would keep rising waste disposal costs in check, reducing a strain on the Town budget.


    The following questions are intended to gather input on how such an approach would affect households and to identify design considerations, challenges, and accommodations that should be addressed before any final decisions are made.

  • If your household were provided a 35-gallon trash bin as the standard service level for weekly collection, how often do you think it would meet your needs?*
  • What factors would make a 35-gallon trash bin challenging for your household? (Select all that apply)*
  • Which of the following would make a smaller standard trash bin more workable for your household? (Select all that apply)*
  • Household trash can vary week to week. If your household occasionally has more trash than fits in the standard bin, which option would you prefer?*
  • Would your household need an accommodation or alternative arrangement under a 35-gallon standard trash bin system?*
  • If the Town moves forward with a waste-reduction–focused system that includes a smaller standard trash bin, which statement best reflects your view?*

  • Other Questions

  • What size recycling bin would meet your needs most weeks out of the year? Assume weekly collection.*
  • If you don't compost at home, why not?

  • Frequently asked questions are addressed on the Lexington Zero Waste webpage.

  • Should be Empty: