West Hartford’s director of Public Works said the town has been experiencing increased supply costs.

By Ronni Newton

Yard waste carts have been sold to West Hartford residents by the Department of Public Works since 2019, but Director John Phillips said while they have held off as long as possible, after three years the price needs to increase.

The 95-gallon brown barrels will now be sold for $90 each, up from $73.11, effective immediately.

“Public Works is not immune to the cost of inflation,” Phillips said. “We have experienced increasing prices across all of our supplies and service vendors.”

Yard waste is collected bi-weekly by the town’s contractor, Paine’s Inc., on the same day as recycling, and that collection schedule will continue. The brown carts can also be used for leaf pick-up, which takes place weekly in the fall.

“Public Works knows this is a very popular item that supports our yard waste diversion program. Residents are strongly encouraged to separate their yard waste from their regular trash. Yard waste is not permitted in trash carts,” Phillips said. “Separating yard waste from the green trash barrels greatly reduces the volume of trash sent to regional trash facilities and reduces the amount of methane gas released into the atmosphere. It’s a great way for West Hartford residents to contribute to West Hartford’s environmental sustainability efforts.”

A brown barrel is not required. Yard waste will also be picked up if placed at the curb in 30-gallon bio-degradable brown bags, or in bundles tied with organic twine.

To purchase a cart, or for more information, visit the Public Works web page on the Town of West Hartford website.

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