Selectmen Back Trash Collection Review

The Hampton Board of Selectmen authorized Department of Public Works Director Keith Noyes to come up with a plan that would drastically change the way the town collects trash from Hampton Beach businesses and residents.

The board voted 3-2 on Monday night to have Noyes come back to them with a plan that would create a more level playing field, according to a rebroadcast of the selectmen's meeting on Channel 22, the town's public access cable channel.

Noyes said he favors charging businesses for additional trash pick-ups with a sticker system. Currently, the town does multiple trash pick-ups for Hampton Beach businesses, seasonal residences and downtown businesses. If approved, Noyes said, "Basically, everyone would be entitled to one cart per week. If businesses wanted more than that, they would have to pay for it."

Noyes also told selectmen this approach would be better than going with a pay-as-you-throw system where town residents and business owners would have to buy town trash bags.

Selectmen Chairman Richard Nichols said that regardless of what final plan Noyes would present to the board, voters would have to approve it at the next town meeting in March.