Ipswich Considers Move to Automated Recycling, Trash Collection

Ipswich is facing a transition from manual to automated trash and recycling collection as bids for manual service decline, driven by industry-wide shifts and cost pressures.

During the March 17 Select Board meeting, as board members reviewed contracts and costs, the consensus arose that fewer and fewer companies are willing to offer manual trash collection. If they do, the manual option is considerably more expensive. Haulers have retrofitted their trucks, staffing, and insurance models around automation. 

As the Select Board discovered, manual pickup costs approximately $300,000 more than automated systems do. Rising labor costs, worker shortages, and insurance risks have made manual collection far more expensive.

Safety was another topic of discussion at the March 17 meeting. Automated systems reduce the need for workers to ride on trucks or lift heavy barrels. Board members also noted that long-term automated contracts may offer more reliable service.

According to The Local News, Ipswich anticipates automated collection could cost $120,000 more per year than current costs, plus approximately $500,000 upfront for new trash and recycling carts. Discussion also surrounded user fees, approximately $200 per household annually, which the town's Department of Public Works and Select Board would like to prevent.

Public Works Director Rick Clarke explained that the town is considering a state grant to help pay for the new trash barrels. This funding, however, would cover only part of the cost for 35-gallon trash barrels in the transition to automation.

Additionally, the proposed automated trash collection system would shift how the town handles recycling. Residents could receive a larger recycling cart, and eventually, recycling pickup could shift to every other week instead of weekly.

This move to automated collection mirrors a regional pattern in nearby towns like Andover, Topsfield, Boxford, and Danvers.