Lexington Seeks Public Input on 2027 Waste Collection Overhaul
LEXINGTON — Lexington is preparing to overhaul how it collects trash and recycling, inviting residents to weigh in on a modernized program the town hopes will control rising costs and cut waste, according to a public meeting notice sent Wednesday. Also Wednesday, Recreation and Community Programs Director Melissa Battite was elected a Fellow of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, one of the field's top professional honors.
TOWN HALL The town is preparing to roll out a modernized waste collection program in the summer of 2027, and it's asking residents to attend an upcoming public meeting to review the options under consideration before a direction is chosen. Town officials say the new system is meant to help control rising collection costs and reduce the amount of waste Lexington sends for disposal.
Melissa Battite, Lexington's director of Recreation and Community Programs, has been elected a Fellow of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), a national honor the town says is among the highest a parks and recreation professional can receive.
The town also issued guidance Wednesday on preventing conflicts with coyotes, urging residents to use simple behavior changes, such as securing food sources and supervising pets, to help people and wildlife coexist safely.
Separately, the town is still accepting applications through Aug. 31 for open seats on Lexington boards and committees, a deadline officials first flagged earlier this week.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS "New Developments In Cyclospora, Salmonella Outbreaks: What To Know In MA": state and federal health officials are tracking additional cyclospora and salmonella cases statewide, with the CDC reviewing more than 12,000 further reports that remain unconfirmed, per Lexington Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/lexington/s/klegd/new-developments-in-cyclospora-salmonella-outbreaks-what-to-know-in-ma).
"40+ MA Beaches Closed As Oppressive Heat Returns: See Latest Forecast": dozens of Massachusetts beaches have closed as a fresh heat wave pushes "feels-like" temperatures toward 100 degrees, Lexington Patch reports (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/lexington).
"'ICE Needs To Be Stopped': MA Governor Celebrates 'Protect Act' Passage": Gov. Maura Healey praised passage of the Protect Act, calling it the strongest state law yet to shield residents from ICE enforcement, according to Lexington Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/lexington).
COMING UP The Historic Districts Commission holds five remote public hearings Thursday, Aug. 6, on properties at 1 Locust Ave., 7 Depot Sq., and 1775, 1906 and 1912 Massachusetts Ave., followed by a commission meeting the same day.
The Hanscom Field Advisory Commission meets remotely Tuesday, Aug. 11. The Board of Appeals holds a remote public hearing on 20 Muzzey St. on Thursday, Aug. 13.
LexFarm's Walking Wednesdays program continues Wednesday, Aug. 12. The Summer Concert Series continues Friday, Aug. 7, with a performance by Ben Rudnick & Friends.
Applications for open Lexington board and committee seats are due Monday, Aug. 31.
Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.