Do you know that CRCOG has a regional waste authority (RWA)? Formed in 2010 with CRCOG’s assistance, the Central CT Solid Waste Authority (CCSWA) serves as a regional waste authority for our region.
Section 7-273aa-bb of the Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) authorizes municipalities to establish, by municipal ordinance, regional resource recovery authorities (RWA) with a broad range of powers to support a comprehensive program for solid waste disposal and resources recovery in accordance with the state solid waste management plan.
With the closing of MIRA and the growing waste crisis in Connecticut, facilitating municipal partnerships to support new solid waste programs and infrastructure development is crucial in our region and statewide.
CCSWA provides leverage of scale and greater buying power on behalf of its member municipalities to issue bonds and negotiate multi-year MSW service agreements with RWA or privately financed disposal facilities.
RWA’s, like CCSWA, can offer a range of services for member towns, including:
- Implementing recycling, organics/food waste, and other diversion programs
- Developing and managing public outreach and education (E&O) programs
- Issue RFI’s/RFQ’s/RFP’s/ITB for shared/regional waste management services, including vendor evaluation and shared services contracts
- Assisting municipalities with required filings (to DEEP, EPA, and other agencies)
- Sourcing and funding recycling coordinators and other services shared by member towns
- Facilitating household hazardous waste programs, textile recycling, bottle and can collection drives, and more
- Negotiating regional agreements for household hazardous waste, textile recycling, food waste/organics, and other eco-friendly reduction/reuse programs (e.g., EPR for tires, gas cylinders, mattresses, and more)
- Apply for and manage grants to offset costs for member towns
- Advocate for/against legislation impacting waste management and diversion in our region (such as EPR, organics, bottle bills, and more)
- Maintain hauler registration and fee collection
Currently, CCSWA comprises 14 member towns whose Chief Elected Official designates members to serve. With a focus on operations, expanding membership, programs, and services, CCSWA is also in the process of updating and simplifying its Bylaws, enabling Ordinances, and issuing an RFI for Consulting Services for Food Waste and Organics.
CCSWA operates through an elected Executive Committee, elected Officers, and a full membership. Meeting on alternating months, CCSWA’s Executive Committee and full
membership also convene for an annual meeting to hold elections and pass key initiatives. Annual dues are minimal and determined by population – dues typically range from $700 to $1,900+/- annually.
If your town is interested in more information about joining CCSWA and the benefits you can leverage, please contact Robyn Nichols.
Together, we're working together for a better region.
