LONDONDERRY — After almost three hours of listening to residents voice their concerns at a public hearing Monday night about the new trash ordinance scheduled to begin July 1, it was decided to nix the jumbo 96-gallon containers altogether, giving all households a standard 65-gallon one with the exception of special requests by some seniors and other residents who want a smaller 32-gallon barrel.
Households with six or more residents may receive an additional 65-gallon or 32-gallon barrel free of charge.
Public Works Director Janusz had arbitrarily picked a household of seven as the cut-off number based on the nine-member household program in Goffstown.
"I don't care what other towns are doing," said Councilor Brian Farmer.
"I care about what Londonderry is doing. In 2006, 63 households had seven or more. I think seven would be good, but six would be the number to go with."
One resident, John Wilson, talked for at least a half-hour about how upset he was at the whole process.
"I think (this process) has been handled poorly, and it upsets me," he said.
Several residents with large households said they do recycle and that they would still need two barrels for trash and a woman who home schools her children made a special trip down to the hearing after watching the hearing on television.
One resident said he never recalled seeing in any recycling notices that the people of Londonderry were doing a bad job of recycling.
"I think what you had was a kinder, gentler approach rather than telling people you stunk at it," said Councilor Brian Farmer.
Janusz said he planned to send out postcards in July to ask residents how large their households were and what size container they would need. Councilors were skeptical of the honor system and Councilors Farmer, Kathy Wagner and Sean O'Keefe voted to do away with the 96-gallon containers altogether.
For households with fewer than six residents, several options for extra containers will be available. A second 32-gallon barrel would cost $150 for the first year and $100 for each successive year; a second 65-gallon barrel would cost $200 for the first year and $150 for each additional year. Overflow 30-gallon bags will be made available for $3 per bag.
Special exceptions will be made by the Department of Public Works for households less than six with family members that have older adults or individuals with special needs that have personal care items to dispose of that cannot be greatly reduced or recycled.
