In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the approval of a resolution aimed at enhancing solid waste management through regionalization. The resolution, which follows a public hearing, seeks to amend the town ordinance to support the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CROG) solid waste initiatives.

Key discussions centered around the implications of regionalizing waste management, with officials questioning what changes would occur compared to existing practices. One official highlighted that the region has been part of the Capitol Region Solid Waste Authority (CCSWA) for a decade, emphasizing the need for improved recycling efforts amid a solid waste crisis in Connecticut. The state has set ambitious recycling targets, which officials noted are unprecedented in the northern hemisphere.

Concerns were raised about the current disposal methods, which involve transporting waste to out-of-state facilities, including old strip mines in Ohio and Pennsylvania. This practice has sparked ethical debates, particularly regarding environmental impacts and the potential for rising disposal fees. Officials expressed a desire to regain control over waste management costs and suggested revisiting the idea of constructing a new trash-to-energy plant, similar to one built 30 years ago.

The meeting concluded with a call for advocacy at the legislative level to address these pressing waste management challenges and to explore sustainable solutions for the future.