Kristine Hutchinson

Ferguson Street
Hudson, Massachusetts 01749
September 16, 2015
Sam Richman, Owner
Emerald Gardens Condo Association
Richman Realty, Inc.
Winchester, MA 01606
Dear Ms. Richman,
The importance of recycling in our community and neighborhood is urgent. Recycling provides
environmental and economic benefits. However, as a community we dont have this option.
As a member of this community I have spent many hours researching and creating a plan that
would allow recycling to be a feasible option at our complex, without increasing our monthly
condo fees. I believe you and your company will agree that the benefits of recycling outweigh
any hesitations there may be to make the necessary changes to our current policies and practices.
We have not received the option for recycling in our complex. Our current amenities are not
fulfilling our needs. With the option to recycle, we will cut down the amount of trash pick-ups
we currently have. We will benefit not only our community, but the environment. I therefore
submit the following recycling proposal for your consideration.
Regards,
Kristine Hutchinson
Kristine Hutchinson
Condo Owner, Emerald Garden

A Recycling Proposal
for
Emerald Gardens
(2015-16)

Prepared for
Emerald Gardens Condo Association
Richman Realty, Inc.
Winchester, Massachusetts

by
Kristine Hutchinson
Emerald Gardens Condo Owner

September 16, 2015

ii
Table of Contents
PAGE
INFORMATIVE ABSTRACT..iii
Introduction.1
Overview......................1
Background .....................1
Statement of Problem...1
Need 2
Scope ...2
PROPOSED PLAN.2
Methods ...2
Cost...........................................................................................................................2
Feasibility..4
Residents ......4
CONCLUSION........4
APPENDIX (Comparative Costs).....5
CITATIONS..6

Recycling Proposal iii

INFORMATIVE ABSTRACT
Emerald Gardens, a condo complex in Hudson Massachusetts, and managed by Richman Reality
Inc., has been lacking amenity options for its condo owners throughout the last two years.
Having received no choice to participate in a recycling program, aesthetically the complex is
suffering. The inability to recycle has forced people to keep trash within their dwellings because
our current trash receptacle is not emptied enough. The more trash that is being piled up at the
complex, the less our quality of life gets. The complex is becoming unsanitary and unsightly, and
people are finding other places to discard their waste. Trash can be found around the complex
and falling out of the trash container. Animals are getting into the bags that are left out of the bin
because they couldnt fit. The option to recycle would not only alleviate this problem, but benefit
our community and our way of life.
Many residents have been finding their own ways to discard of recycling, whether it is to return
their bottles for a deposit or bring it to the local transfer station for a fee. The proposed option,
which would be covered by our monthly condo fee, would eliminate the need for residence to
seek other options.
According to Hudson, Massachusetts by-laws All curbside solid waste commercial haulers
serving residences within the Town must provide customers with the option of recycling, on at
least a monthly basis, at no additional cost to their customers (Solid Waste Regulation). While
we already have trash removal services established, adding a recycling option will have no
financial impact on the complex.
In order to get a recycling container added to our current plan we can easily contact our current
bid and add the option. If the complex wants to reconsider their current bid, I have added other
options and how much they will cost in the Tables to follow. The recycling bin can be placed in
the area next to the current trash receptacle. There is enough space that both can be together and
still be in accordance to fire codes. The zero-sort recycling container will be emptied on the same
schedule as the trash receptacle.
Compared to other complexes in the area, Emerald Gardens condo owners pay a similar
association fee, for fewer amenities. The comparison figures in the Appendix illustrate the
monthly fees for local complexes in the area and the prices they currently pay for recycling.
INTRODUCTION
Overview
Our complex and quality of life are suffering because we do not have the option to recycle within
the complex. Throughout the course of a week our one trash receptacle will be overflowing with
garbage, most of which could have been recycled in the first place. The following proposal
addresses the urgent need for a recycling program in our community. The plans success depends
on the willingness of your management company to authorize and establish this option as a part
of our condo fees.
Background

Recycling Proposal iii

Over the past two years our complex has grown in occupancy. With over 87 buildings and an
estimated two hundred residents, our need for recycling services is growing. Our current trash
removal is provided by Waste Management, who does trash removal once a month. Our current
ten yard trash bin holds an estimated 5-10 tons of trash. Currently Americans produce about 375
million tons of municipal solid waste annually, or 1.3 tons per capita. Twenty-five to 30% of this
material is recycled (Beatty 739). Our complex is a large part of this statistic. Recycling would
allow us to cut down our waste contribution to our local landfill and promote cleaner living for
our community.
Statement of Problem
The current trash removal for our complex is not enough to sustain our waste output. With our
residency numbers continuing to grow, our waste output is no longer being sustained with the
current trash removal program we have in place.
Our quality of our complex is declining due to the lack of waste removal options we currently
have. Despite having a ten yard trash receptacle, the twice-a-month frequency of pick up from
the trash company is not enough. Many people have chosen to discard of their trash elsewhere;
other residents have placed their trash outside of the container. Many of these options are
unsanitary and unsightly. The longer we continue with our current waste disposal option, the
more we risk sanitation fines, health code violations, and complaints from residents.
Our current condo fee of $310.00 monthly covers sewer, exterior maintenance, snow removal,
security, insurance, storage, water, laundry facilities, landscaping and refuse removal. The term
refuse in this context means trash; this term does not specify the separation between trash and
recycled material. As stated in the town waste removal laws we cannot be charge additional fees
to add recycling to our current trash removal plan (Solid Waste Disposal Regulations). Since
there is no additional cost of adding a recycling program to our current refuse removal plan, the
decision is clear. If you institute a recycling program the trash production will be cut down
significantly, lowering the frequency of pick up will also reduce the cost for removal.

Recycling Proposal 2
Need
Despite our growing residency numbers leading to an increase in overall management profits, the
complex is not providing proper amenities to sustain such growth. Inadequate refuse removal is
leading to a lower quality of life for the residents and the community.
Scope
The following plan includes
1. Methods of incorporating recycling as a part of our refuse removal without raising costs to
tenants
2. Projected costs for refuse and recycling, including the current amount we pay compared to
other companies in the area
3. A demonstration of feasibility, showing not only the cost-effectiveness of the plan, but the
financial savings
4. A summary of similar outlooks shared by our complex community
Proposed Plan
Methods
We can alleviate the waste removal issue by following these steps:
Reducing Waste. Currently 25-30% of our trash material is recycled (Beatty 739). If we are
able to cut down our waste removal by 30%, the 10 yard trash bin we currently have can be
decreased. Considering a lower bin size and the free addition of recycling, costs of waste
removal will be significantly lower.
Smaller Waste Container. With the addition of recycling the need for a 10 yard refuse
receptacle wont be necessary.
Outreach. With a new recycling program in place the residents will need to be made aware of
the new option. Incentives may be set up by the management team to encourage recycling.
Consider the amount of year-to-year savings in a lower waste removal bill, this money could go
toward recycling initiatives. Recycling not only benefits the complex, but our whole community.
Cost
My proposed financial stimuli is based on savings we could accrue with local area bids that
include recycling at no extra cost, this can be viewed in Table 1. If this complex is to remain a
habitable and enjoyable place for the residents, amenities such as recycling are essential.
Table 1 Projected Cost of Refuse & Recycling for the 2015-2016 Billing Year

Recycling Proposal 3
PROJECTED COSTS
Trash Removal Including Recycling
Waste Management (8 yard bins)
Casella (8 yard bins)
Mr. Trashman LLC (8 yard bins)
B-P Trucking Inc. (8 yard bins)

$432.00 monthly
$543.00 monthly
$420.00 monthly
$659.00 monthly

ESTABLISHED COSTS
Current Removal Trash Only
Casella (10 yard bin)

$643.00 monthly

Subtotal

$7,716.00 yearly

TOTAL YEARLY COSTS

Waste Management
Casella
Mr. Trashman LLC
B-P Trucking Inc.

$5,184.00
$6,516.00
$5,040.00
$7,908.00

TOTAL COMPARATIVE SAVINGS

Waste Management
Casella
Mr. Trashman LLC
B-P Trucking Inc.

$2,532.00
$1,200.00
$2,676.00
-$192.00

Recycling Proposal 4
Feasibility
Beyond explaining the need for recycling in our complex, I feel the feasibility of this proposal
can be measured through not only financial gain, but environmental impact. Compared to other
complexes in the area, we pay higher monthly fees for fewer amenities. Below are the benefits of
recycling on our community.
According to the Integrated Solid Waste Master Plan for Massachusetts the key goals of
recycling are: (1) to decrease the volume and toxicity of all wastes; (2) to divert waste from the
waste stream through reuse and recycling of appropriate materials; and (3) to dispose any
unrecoverable waste in an environmentally sound manner (Callan, Commonwealth of MA 548).
Currently our complex is making now effort to reach these goals. The accessibility of service and
the no cost addition of recycling make this choice cut and dry. We continue to grow as a complex
and with our increase in size, our health and sanitation demands become greater. In order to
actively pursue Massachusetts Recycling Goals and abide by town sanitation laws, we need to
have the option of recycling.
We have some of the highest condo fees in the area; we also have the highest residency rate.
Despite this fact, we are not being provided for the necessary accommodations. Each resident
pays $300 a month, $3.00 of which is contributed towards the refuse removal. With no additional
cost for recycling, there will be no financial impact on residence or the management team. The
requested option will actually save money over the fiscal year. Changing from a 10 yard bin to an
8 yard bin, would save $100 monthly and $1,200 yearly! As figured in the Appendix
demonstrates, our fees compared to other complexes in the area, can cover more amenities than
we are currently receiving.
Residents
The residents of Emerald Gardens are in agreeance that having the option of recycling at our
complex will increase the quality of life in our community. As well respected members of the
community we want to take pride in our complex. In order to do this we need to have the
necessary amenities to provide a safe, sanitary, and enjoyable place to live. Our desire to recycle
only proves our willingness to make change for our residents while representing our
management staff.
CONCLUSION
I presented many feasible options to incorporate recycling as a part of our trash removal
program. The support of the residents and the financial incentives are proof enough that this
choice is clear. The most important part of this complex is the residents and if the management is
not properly caring for the property and the tenants needs, the complex will continue to decline.
Recycling gives us an opportunity to work together towards a common goal.

Recycling Proposal 5
As our complex grows every year, our needs as residents grow too. In order to keep our complex
in working condition, our amenities need to reflect our population. Unless we start to recycle, we
are going to have to increase the size of our receptacle yearly to fulfill the output of waste. This
will only increase our monthly fee and cost more for the management company overall. To
continue without a recycling program is not economical, environmentally conscience, or sanitary.
The option for recycling is not unreasonable. For residents, this option will only provide a better
living environment. I respectfully ask the management team to respond to this request before the
next years budget is determined.

Recycling Proposal 6
APPENDIX (Comparative Costs)
Table 1A Monthly Refuse Removal/Recycling Fees of Local Complexes within the Area (10 yard bin)
WestRidge

Simrah Gardens

Chapin Condos

Emerald Gardens

Company

Waste Mgmt.

Mr. Trashman

B-P Trucking

Casella

Monthly Cost
(For Service)

$532.00

$520.00

$759.00

$643.00

Monthly Fee $285.00

(Condo Assoc.)

$298.87

$340.00

$300.00

Population

170

Average Yearly
Cost
(Per Condo)

$37.076

150

182

175

$41.60

$50.04

$44.09

*These figures represent the current years expenses and do not reflect the 8 yard bin option we will be
able to have upon implementing the recycling program
Source: Figures were gathered from complex management companies in September 2015.

Citations
Beatty, Timothy. 2007. Curbside Recycling in The Presence of Alternatives. Economic Inquiry
45 (4):739-755.
Callan, Scott. 2001. Economies of Scaled and Scope: A Cost Analysis of Municipal Solid Waste
Services. Land Economics 77 (4):548-560.
Hudson Board of Health. Solid Waste Disposal Regulations.
http://www.townofhudson.org/Public_Documents/HudsonMA_Health/Solid%20Waste
%20Disposal%20Regulations%20Revised%20(final).pdf (accessed September 15,2015).