The Northern Oxford Regional Solid Waste Board has not had an increase to its budget for eight years. This is due mainly to revenues received for recyclable materials.

As chairwoman of the Northern Oxford Regional Solid Waste Board, I believe Rumford voters should support the Finance Committee’s recommendation on Article 5 when they vote on the town’s new budget on July 23.

Eliminating trash and recycling pickup for the town would significantly increase the NORSW budget for future years. Last year, revenue from recyclable materials amounted to $150,133.71. If recyclables are not collected, that revenue would be greatly reduced.

Another consequence would be an increase in traffic by individuals bringing their own trash and recyclables down to the transfer station. That would necessitate the hiring of additional employees at the transfer station to assure materials are properly disposed of and safety issues are addressed.

I would also worry about trash building up on sidewalks because many people do not have transportation, or are unable to pay a private contractor to pick up their garbage.

Patricia Duguay, Byron, chairwoman, Northern Oxford Regional Solid Waste Board