The Nantucket County Land Bank Commission approved a pilot program to place dumpsters at two Land Bank parking areas commonly used by hunters in order to reduce the number of field-dressed deer gut piles left on properties.

Staff described two proposed locations — Head of the Plains and a site behind Wyllette's Pit / near Pappan Road — where field staff frequently encounter gut piles. Staff said the dumpsters would require bagging of offal, that the land bank would monitor use and that pickup frequency could be adjusted depending on demand and misuse. Staff cited an estimated pick-up charge of about $45 per pickup for a 2-yard dumpster and proposed initially monitoring the bins and adjusting as needed.

Commissioners discussed concerns about attracting scavengers (rats and other wildlife), the need for regular emptying if dumpsters draw animals, and potential measures to restrict misuse (a combination lock and giving the code only to participating hunters was suggested). Supporters of the pilot said it could reduce staff time spent removing gut piles and reduce encounters between dogs and offal on popular walking routes.

A motion to approve placing two dumpsters on Land Bank properties for the pilot was moved, seconded and approved by roll call (recorded votes: commissioners recorded "Aye"). Staff will implement a trial and report back on usage, abuse, costs and recommended next steps.