Local law changed to accompany totes; board to review resident's suggestions
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

As the Town of Amherst prepares for the arrival date of its long-awaited totes, the Town Board has begun discussions on changes to the local solid waste law.

On Monday the board approved a minor change to the law that would include the word "totes," Council Member Bill Kindel said.

Residents will be required to store their waste materials in the totes and follow existing laws in regard to when the totes can be placed at the curb and what can be placed in the totes for pickup.

Kindel encouraged the board to consider the recommendations of Eggertsville resident Charles Eisenmann, who offered the board ideas he had gathered from Cheektowaga, Kenmore and Buffalo, which use a tote program.

"He had good recommendations," Kindel said, citing one that would require totes to be stored behind residences.

Kindel said that Eisenmann had done a great deal of research that deserved Town Board attention and consideration.

The board was given a copy of Eisenmann's suggestions for review.

The town ordered 33,000 totes, some 95-gallon and some 65-gallon. On Monday, Supervisor Satish Mohan said the 95-gallon totes would be distributed first; then residents who want to switch could contact the town.

Distribution delayed

Charles Moses, the interim senior refuse officer, said the totes purchased by the town will begin arriving on April 25.

According to Moses, Rehrig Pacific, the company from which the totes were purchased, is the reason for the delay.

A representative for Rehrig Pacific said there were delays in the delivering process which set the date back.

Moses anticipates that once the totes arrive, 1,000 will be assembled and delivered per day. He expects the project to be completed in a month.

Because the Village of Williamsville used the same company it has also experienced a delay.

According to village officials, the totes will be distributed beginning Monday, April 23.