Reading Unveils Automated Trash and Recycling Collection Overhaul
Reading is preparing residents for a significant change to curbside collection, with Town Manager Jayne Wellman detailing a shift to automated trash and recycling service in a new episode of the town's "Reading Between the Lines" podcast. The announcement came alongside a return of summer mosquito-control spraying and a health care safety measure touted by the town's state senator.
TOWN HALL
Town Hall is rolling out changes to how Reading handles curbside trash and recycling, moving toward an automated collection system. Town Manager Jayne Wellman walked through the specifics of the new program in the latest episode of "Reading Between the Lines," the town-produced podcast made with RCTV, giving residents a preview of what to expect before the changes take effect.
Separately, the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project resumed its summer aerial and truck-based spraying program in Reading as of Monday, using a truck-mounted aerosol sprayer to knock down mosquito populations around town; residents can check the posted schedule for spraying dates in their neighborhood. Town Hall also flagged two lower-key community items: the free "Let Grow" summer independence challenge is coming to Reading this summer, and the town is asking amateur photographers to submit pictures of Reading for a refresh of the municipal website and social media accounts.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Senator Lewis and Mass. Senate Pass Bill to Better Protect Healthcare Workers from Assault" — State Sen. Jason Lewis, whose district includes Reading, says the Massachusetts Senate approved new security requirements for hospitals and other health care facilities in response to a rising rate of violence against staff, according to a post from Lewis published on Reading Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/reading).
COMING UP
Reading's civic calendar is busy midweek: the Contributory Retirement Board, Council on Aging, Conservation Commission, Select Board and the Ad Hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee are all scheduled to meet Wednesday, July 22. A public hearing on a utility pole location follows Thursday, July 23.