Report on Bow’s New Waste Management Contract and Its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

Bow, New Hampshire, is set to experience a significant increase in trash and recycling costs due to a new contract with Casella Waste Systems, which acquired the town’s longtime hauler, Pinard Waste. This report outlines the financial implications, market context, and sustainability considerations related to this change, emphasizing the connection to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Contract Overview and Financial Impact

1. Casella Waste Systems acquired Pinard Waste in 2023, expanding its presence in New Hampshire’s waste collection market.
2. Bow currently spends $534,605 annually on solid waste and recycling services for the town and schools.
3. The new contract with Casella will increase costs to $760,542 in the first year, representing a 42% increase or $225,937 more than the previous contract.
4. The contract is expected to take effect on July 1, 2025, pending finalization of details.
5. Bow had budgeted for a $45,000 increase; however, the actual increase requires an additional $180,000 adjustment in the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget.

Market Context and Service Considerations

• Casella’s acquisition has led to a strong market position with limited alternatives for New Hampshire communities seeking waste haulers.
• Bow received proposals from Casella and Waste Management; Casella’s bid was deemed more cost-effective and better aligned with the town’s service requirements.
• Pinard Waste had served Bow for over 10 years without reported issues.
• The town will continue using a single-stream recycling system, where paper, plastic, glass, and metal are collected together in one bin.

Sustainability and SDG Implications

The waste management changes in Bow relate directly to several Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Recycling System and Environmental Impact

• Single-stream recycling offers convenience but tends to have higher contamination rates (10%-30%) compared to source-separated recycling (below 5%), as reported by New Hampshire Recycles, a nonprofit cooperative.
• Higher contamination rates can reduce recycling efficiency and increase landfill waste, impacting SDG 12 by challenging responsible consumption and waste reduction efforts.
• Bow’s Solid Waste Committee is encouraged to explore alternatives to co-mingled recyclables to improve recycling quality and reduce environmental impact.

Economic and Social Considerations

• The increased costs pose budgetary challenges, requiring fiscal adjustments that may impact other community services.
• Ensuring reliable and effective waste management services supports SDG 11 by promoting sustainable urban development and community well-being.
• Exploring cost-saving and environmentally friendly alternatives aligns with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by fostering sustainable economic practices.

Company Profile: Casella Waste Systems

• Founded in Rutland, Vermont, Casella began with a single trash truck and has grown into a publicly traded company with a net worth exceeding $7 billion.
• The company’s stock value has increased by 67% over the past five years, reflecting significant growth and market influence.

Recommendations and Future Actions

1. Initiate a comprehensive evaluation of waste collection alternatives and recycling methods to identify cost-effective and environmentally sustainable options.
2. Consider transitioning from single-stream to source-separated recycling to reduce contamination and improve recycling outcomes.
3. Engage the community and stakeholders in discussions about waste management practices to enhance awareness and participation in sustainability initiatives.
4. Monitor contract performance to ensure service quality and alignment with Bow’s sustainability goals.

Conclusion

Bow’s new contract with Casella Waste Systems presents financial challenges but also opportunities to advance sustainable waste management practices in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. Strategic evaluation and community engagement will be essential to optimize environmental benefits, control costs, and support the town’s long-term sustainability objectives.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses waste management and recycling services in the town of Bow, which relates to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The focus on trash and recycling costs, single-stream recycling, contamination rates, and waste disposal aligns with ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Improving waste management and recycling methods contributes to reducing environmental impact and mitigating climate change.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 11: Target 11.6
   • Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • The article’s focus on waste collection services and recycling methods directly relates to improving municipal waste management in Bow.
2. SDG 12: Target 12.5
   • Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
   • The discussion on single-stream recycling, contamination rates, and exploring alternatives to improve recycling aligns with this target.
3. SDG 13: Target 13.2
   • Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • While not explicitly stated, improving waste management and recycling contributes to climate action efforts.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 11.6.1
   • Proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and with adequate final discharge out of total urban solid waste generated, by cities.
   • The article mentions the solid waste and recycling services handled by Pinard Waste and Casella Waste Systems, implying measurement of waste collection effectiveness.
2. Indicator for SDG 12.5.1
   • National recycling rate, tons of material recycled.
   • The article discusses single-stream recycling contamination rates (10%-30%) versus separated recycling contamination rates (below 5%), which can be used to measure recycling quality and efficiency.
3. Cost-related indicators
   • The increase in trash and recycling costs (42% hike) and budget adjustments imply financial indicators related to sustainable waste management.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: concordmonitor.com