Board of Health Director Tom FitzGerald is working on a draft to send to Mass DEP for the SMRP grant application. (WNG File Photo)
SOUTHWICK – Almost three weeks ago, it was reported that the Southwick Department of Public Works was going to apply to the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRT). The program is offered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
According to Board of Health Director Tom FitzGerald, he is currently reviewing the regulations for the solid waste handlers permit that DPW Director Randy Brown is requesting through the SMRT grant program, which is called RDP (Recycling Dividends Program).
At the next Board of Health meeting on March 2, the hope will be to finalize the permit.
The permit is specifically for any solid waste handling companies that operate in the town of Southwick.
FitzGerald felt that, although the state doesn’t make it mandatory to have a solid waste handler’s permit, he feels it is a good thing for the community.
“Not everyone has it, but it’s certainly allowable under state regulations,” said FitzGerald.
The RDP provides the grant money to certain municipalities who have programs and policies that improve waste reduction, reuse, and recycling.
The solid waste handler’s permit qualifies under the policies of the RDP.
For more information on the SMRP, go to the Energy & Environmental Affairs page on Mass DEP.
