Windsor Solid Waste Hauling Feasibility Study

The Town of Windsor has hire engineering and consulting firm Burns & McDonnell to conduct a comprehensive study of residential solid waste services across the community. The purpose of this effort is to evaluate whether the town should take a more active role in providing trash and recycling collection, while also assessing the full range of service delivery models available. This includes examining the feasibility of a municipally operated system, transitioning to a single-hauler (contracted) model, or continuing with the current open-market approach where residents select their own provider.

This study is intended to provide town leadership with clear, data-driven insights into the long-term costs, operational considerations and community impacts associated with each option. In addition to service efficiency and reliability, the analysis will look closely at environmental factors, customer experience, pricing consistency and the ability to meet future sustainability goals.

One of the primary drivers behind the review is the number of waste haulers currently operating in Windsor, with at least five different companies servicing neighborhoods. While this system offers choice, it also results in a high volume of truck traffic on residential streets. Town officials have identified this as a contributing factor to accelerated wear and tear on local roadways, which can increase maintenance costs over time. Residents have also expressed concerns about noise, congestion and the near-daily presence of trash and recycling trucks in their neighborhoods.

By taking a closer look at how solid waste services are delivered, the town aims to better understand how to balance efficiency, cost, infrastructure preservation and resident expectations, ultimately identifying an approach that supports Windsor’s long-term growth and quality of life.