The city of Biddeford is launching a “Carry-in, Carry-out” pilot program at Rotary Park for the 2025 season.
When the new initiative begins this spring, Rotary Park will not have trash receptacles in any outdoor areas of the park and visitors are asked to bring home any of their trash, including pet waste, after spending time in the park.
According to a press release from the city, the new policy is intended to “remove unsightly trash from parks that wildlife can get into and make a mess,”
City officials say the new policy also discourages pests from the parks in picnic and play areas. “Wasps, bees and other rodents are naturally attracted to trash, which can create an unpleasant environment for visitors,” according to the press release.
“We are excited to launch this new initiative in our community and hope to see both environmental and financial benefits from the change,” said Lisa Thompson, the city’s recreation director.
“It currently takes two city employees two to three days per week to empty all the trash cans that are located throughout the city,” Thomson said. “By reducing the number of city trash cans, our staff’s time and the cost savings from paying to dispose of garbage can be redirected to improve our parks in other ways.”
The pilot program will be assessed throughout the season, with a goal of extending it to all city parks and beaches in future years if the desired outcomes from the program are met.
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THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 