We the Undersigned respectfully request that the Board of Selectman consider all options for closing the budget gap including consideration of a revised program for solid waste and recycling collection. We recommend that the Town adopt a trash limit allowing:1. One bag or barrel of trash per household per week at no additional charge,2. Unlimited amounts of recyclables collected at no additional charge; 3. Bulky waste ollected at the rate of one item per week at no additional charge. The only change would be in instances where there is more than one barrel of trash per week per household. In that case, additional trash would be required to be in a designated bag, the cost of which would offset the cost of the collection and disposal for that amount of trash(approx. $2.00/bag). Bags would be available in rolls of five at a grocery, hardware and convenience stores in town. We estimate conservatively that Andover can reduce its trash tonnage 20-30%. This represents an immediate savings of 2000-3000 tons for which we will pay $64/ton next year with a net savings of $128,000.00 In addition to savings there would be some additional revenue from the sale of bags, with a total projected benefit to the Town of approximately $250,000. The time for Andover to adopt a trash policy that is SMART (Saves Money and Reduces Trash) is now. Thank you for your consideration.