Every Lexington household will get new wheeled trash and recycling carts when the town switches to automated collection trucks in summer 2027. Before the Select Board locks in the program's final design, residents have five chances to weigh in at public meetings starting Aug. 26.
The town is holding input sessions between Aug. 26 and Sept. 15 to hear from residents on cart sizes, overflow waste options and accommodations for people with physical, medical or economic limitations, according to a civic alert posted on the town's website. Weekly pickup of trash, recycling and compost will continue under the new system.
Why the switch
Both Lexington's curbside collection contract and its disposal contract with the North Andover waste-to-energy facility are approaching renewal, with significant cost increases expected. Select Board member Mark Sandeen said at the board's June 8 meeting that without the bylaw change enabling the new program, the town would need to either cut trash services, reduce funding for other municipal services or seek an operating override.
The 2026 Annual Town Meeting approved a $1,204,000 appropriation to purchase the carts, allowing Lexington to capture state reimbursements and strengthen its position in future hauling contract negotiations.
What's on the table
Sandeen has recommended a default 48-gallon trash cart, with households generating less than 32 gallons per week able to request a smaller one. Chair Jill Hai researched neighboring towns and reported at the board's June 22 meeting that Bedford, Belmont and Arlington all sell overflow bags for about $3 each; a second cart is also available for an annual fee.
Select Board member Suzanne Kumar said at the board's July 6 meeting that "flexibility, ease of adoption, and ensuring that everyone feels that the program works for them will be important." Sustainability and Resilience Officer Maggie Peard and the town's Waste Task Force are leading the design process.
The Select Board is expected to finalize the program design after the input period closes. No date for that vote has been announced.
