Westford Launches Pay-As-You-Throw Trash Program This Week
WESTFORD — Westford's new Pay-As-You-Throw trash program officially took effect this week, marking one of the most significant operational changes for residents this summer, while the town issued a blasting notice for North Main Street work planned for Thursday.
TOWN HALL
The Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) program began this week, according to the town's News Flash updates, with officials noting cart deliveries had continued through recent weeks ahead of the transition. The town homepage highlighted "PAYT Begins Next Week – Important Reminders" and "PAYT Cart Delivery Follow-Up" notices in the run-up to launch, signaling a significant shift in how residents will manage trash going forward.
Separately, the town issued a blasting notice for North Main Street scheduled for July 9, 2026, alerting nearby residents and drivers to expect controlled blasting work in that area.
The town also announced a regional grant providing digital literacy resources and a free Chromebook to eligible residents, part of an effort to expand access to technology and digital skills training locally.
Forge Pond was treated on July 7 as part of routine pond management; the town advised residents not to swim in the pond until July 8, per the treatment schedule posted on the town website.
The town's July Town Manager's newsletter was also released this week, and officials continue to seek community members to help support elections and town meetings, an ongoing recruitment effort highlighted on the town homepage.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
J.V. Fletcher Library's temporary Groton Road location has a full slate of programming this week. A "Farm on the Go" event was held Wednesday, July 8, from 10 a.m. to noon at Good Pickin' Farm on Gould Road, giving families a chance to visit the local farm as part of summer programming.
The library's Adult Book Club meets Thursday, July 9, at the temporary Groton Road location. Looking ahead, a Homesteading Workshop on garden planning and seed starting is set for Thursday, July 23, from 6 to 8 p.m., also at Good Pickin' Farm.
The library's 2026 Summer Reading Program, themed "Plant a Seed, Read!", remains underway for all ages, with additional events including a Winnie the Pooh Storytime on July 16 and a City Beet StoryWalk at the Westford Community Gardens on July 20.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"🌱 Patch AM: What Westford residents must do differently with trash starting today" — Patch's local newsletter flagged the PAYT rollout as a key change for residents, a story the town's News Flash also covered today, according to Westford Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/westford).
"🌱 Patch AM: How a Westford sophomore powered the Ghosts into the state tournament" — Patch highlighted a Westford Academy student athlete's role in a recent tournament run, according to Westford Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/westford).
"🌱 Patch AM: Which Westford Academy tennis stars just earned top regional honors?" — Patch spotlighted regional recognition for Westford Academy tennis players, according to Westford Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/westford).
COMING UP
The Housing Authority and Recycling Commission both meet Thursday, July 9. The J.V. Fletcher Library Board of Trustees meets virtually Monday, July 13, followed by the Select Board's regular meeting Tuesday, July 14. The Zoning Board of Appeals meets Wednesday, July 15, the same day the library hosts a "Ready, Set, Grow!" summer reading magic show with Mike Bent at Abbot Elementary School. A Winnie the Pooh Storytime is scheduled for Thursday, July 16, at the Winnie the Pooh House, and the City Beet StoryWalk opens at the Westford Community Gardens on Monday, July 20.