As the City works to craft an updated guiding document -- this one with a slightly altered title of Recycling and Solid Waste Management Plan -- public input will be an important part of this process. This is consistent with Milton's original 2008-2018 Solid Waste Management Plan, which also had a comprehensive public outreach strategy. Then and now, the aim is to ensure citizens have opportunities to share their knowledge, opinions, and experiences with the City's project team.

Citizens also can weigh in on the latest plan at all meetings of the Milton Sustainability Advisory Committee (MSAC), which is playing an important role in this process, as well as when the matter comes before the City Council.

Check this webpage, the City's website calendar, as well as the City's Facebook page for the latest details on feedback opportunities. We'll also share details here on the RSWMP webpage.

All of these public events are opportunities for citizens to learn about and provide feedback on this plan and management of waste collection and disposal. If you have questions about this process or more to add, email Environmental Program Manager Emily Groth at emily.groth@miltonga.gov.

What kind of info will be in the RSWMP? (What was in the previous version?)

The Recycling and Solid Waste Management Plan (RSWMP) will contain information and data on Milton residents and businesses and their usage of recycling and solid waste collection services. The 2008-2018 Plan provided information about existing amenities like waste and recycling disposal centers, identified gaps in services for residents, and listed needs and goals for improving the trash and recycling operations in the City. Those topics and others may be in the new plan as well.

Will the RSWMP change who collects my trash and recycling?

No, though it may include recommendations on what the City might do moving forward. The RSWMP will assess efficiency of trash collection and feature suggestions to improve the trash and recycling collection services provided to residents and businesses. Notably, though, any recommendations within the RSWMP do not constitute official actions or changes; they're just recommendations. Only Milton's City Council can take action like that (such as, potentially, changing who collects your trash and recycling).

Who is working on creating this Plan?

Many people have a hand in the RSWMP -- including citizens and the project team (including City staff and its partners at NewGen Strategies and Solutions, LLC). The Milton Sustainability Advisory Committee (MSAC), whose members are appointed by the Mayor and City Councilmembers, will have an important role as well. Ultimately, it's up to the City Council to adopt (or not) a final Plan; the Council, too, must vote to turn any of its recommendations into actions.

What is the timeline?

MSAC aims to host its first meeting in mid-April. Early in its process, MSAC will establish a timeline for research, development, revision, and publication of a final plan. That timeline -- once it's finalized -- will be available on this webpage.