Cheshire's Bulky Waste Pickup May Return

About the time the daffodils bloom next year, Cheshire residents may be able to clean out their garages and basements without hauling the items to the transfer station.

A one-time bulky waste pickup is being considerd by the Town Council in response to a stream of requests for the service to return. "During the budget presentations, most, if not all of us, have heard around town this is desired," said Councilor Peter Talbot at this week's council meeting.

The last bulky waste collection was four years ago, Council Jim Sima said. "We told residents when the budgets got tight we couldn't afford to do it anymore." 

Now, with a budget surplus for the 2011-2012 fiscal year of $1.46 million, the council wants to look into providing the service this spring. "Actions on (single-stream) recycling brought this to the forefront of interest," said Councilor Patti Flynn-Harris.

Town Manager Michael Milone said the cost could be about $175,000 based on the cost of the service four years ago. 

In a 7-4 vote with David Schrumm voting against the proposal, and Councilor Andy Falvey absent, the council approved the prelimnary step of getting an idea of the cost and availablity of refuse companies for a spring collection.