Board of Health Seeks Way Forward on Waste Hauler Proposal
USA Trucking, Amherst's current solid waste hauler, delivering compostable trash to Martin's farm in Greenfield. Photo: Art Keene
Report on the Meeting of the Amherst Board of Health, June 5, 2025
Amherst Board of Health (BOH) members received an update about the waste hauler proposal currently being considered by the Town Council at their June 5 meeting. Since first hearing about and supporting the proposal in October 2021, the board has completely changed membership. Member Premila Nair had requested an update on the progress of the proposal.
The in-person meeting was attended by board members Risha Hess (Chair), Betsy Brooks, Jack Jemsek, and Premila Nair. Kiko Malin, Public Health and Senior Center Director and staff liaison to the BOH. Nancy Gilbert, former Board of Health Chair, and Susan Waite, MA Department of Environmental Protection Western MA Municipal Assistance Coordinator also attended. Darcy DuMont provided public comment for community sponsor Zero Waste Amherst, requesting that the board renew its support for the proposal.
According to sponsors, the proposal would significantly reduce our trash and climate emissions, by requiring the town to change from household subscription services to a town contract with the hauler, gained through a competitive bidding process. The proposal includes requiring a pay as you throw fee structure and curbside compost pick up, starting with services for single to four family households.
The board heard from Nancy Gilbert who was Board of Health Chair when the proposal was first considered. She explained the process that the board went through at that time and the letters of support it had sent to the Town Councilover the years. She also commented on curbside compost service that she had observed in California and how it is an accepted practice there.
Susan Waite provided a presentation including information on the general waste landscape in Massachusetts, pay-as-you-throw basics, and a comparison of the Amherst waste scenario to other western MA cities and towns.
After an hour of presentation and discussion, the board “took its pulse”. All members agreed that the board should support waste reduction. They decided to invite one or more of the official sponsors of the proposal to their next meeting on August 7 at 5 p.m. on zoom and also to look at the possibility of amending its hauler regulations.