2017.02.27 Council Agenda Item 08

The Town of Falmouth is a contractual and founding partner with ecomaine. When the waste-to-energy plant was originally constructed, it was vital to ensure there was enough waste being brought to the facility.

The Code of Ordinances, Chapter 13 regulates commercial waste hauling and requires a permit to haul solid waste within the boundaries of the town. This portion of the ordinance was originally created to help control the flow of waste to ecomaine by monitoring private haulers to ensure they delivered all commercial and resident waste to ecomaine. This policy/requirement has remained unchanged and it is expected that all waste within an ecomaine partner community will be brought to the facility.

The Town’s ordinance has not been updated since it was originally written; it is antiquated and needs to be modernized. Moreover, the Town has not been implementing the ordinance for more than 10 years. Before we begin to implement the ordinance, staff is recommending that the ordinance be amended to reflect current conditions and practices. The general intent and policy of the ordinance, which is not subject to change, is to require haulers to register with the town and receive permits to transport waste. It also mandates that haulers deliver the waste materials to ecomaine. If the Town Council agrees that this ordinance should be modernized, staff will forward a formal amendment for an introduction at the March 13, 2017 Town Council meeting.

In a related matter, the Ordinance Committee was recently charged with reviewing all aspects of noise regulations within town ordinances. The Committee has determined that no changes are necessary with the exception of additional regulations on when dumpsters can be serviced by private haulers. A copy of the proposed ordinance is attached. This amendment will be submitted as a formal ordinance introduction at the March 13, 2017 Town Council meeting.