As many of you are aware, change is inevitable at our Mid-Coast Solid Waste Facility over the next few years. In the spring of 2018 we will begin trucking our household trash to the ecomaine waste to energy facility located in Portland, representing a significant increase in hauling distance. Add to this the fact that the demolition landfill will not last forever (seven to nine more years depending) and one begins to see that thoughtful planning could begin anytime now. Fortunately, it already has.

With regard to our household trash, a lower than usual tipping fee will fortunately help to mitigate our increased hauling costs for the first three years of the ecomaine contract. This will allow some time to incorporate physical and procedural changes at the facility to further manage costs by increasing efficiencies, while at the same time becoming more user friendly.

Over the past year this community has provided definite thoughts and opinions on how this facility should be developed and operated. The current MCSW Board of Directors has responded to this community interest by encouraging the formation of a citizens' committee intended, in part, to provide outreach to and input from our community. The first act of the Mid-Coast Waste Watch Committee has been to assemble an extensive public survey, which elicits info and comments on your use of the various aspects of this facility.

The survey can be taken online (preferable) at: midcoastsolidwaste.org. Click the red Residential Waste and Recycling Survey line and follow the instructions. A paper copy of the survey can be obtained at any of MCSWC’s participating town offices, or at the facility gatehouse. Please take the 10 or so minutes to complete this survey so that we can make this facility the most reflective of our community's wishes as we possibly can! Those who wish to provide full contact information will be eligible for a drawing for a number of worthwhile prizes. Thank you very much for your time and considered comments!

Jim Guerra is the the manager at Mid-Coast Solid Waste on Union Street in Rockport.