In January, ecomaine started charging municipalities when their recycling loads contained too much contamination, or too many non-recyclable items. That month alone Scarborough had 52 loads of recycling rejected and transferred to ecomaine's waste to energy plant where it was burned to produce electricity. These 52 rejected loads resulted in the Town paying over $10,000 to dispose of our contaminated recycling.

 

Starting July 1, 2019, ecomaine will also start charging towns $35 per ton to drop off recyclable materials. (Currently there is no fee to dispose of clean recycling at ecomaine.) If loads are rejected because of too much contamination, that cost jumps to $73 per ton. With these changes at ecomaine, Public Works is projecting that their waste management budget will increase by more than $100,000 next year.

 

In an effort to reduce costs, the Town is planning some changes to our recycling program.  

With rising costs, many people are asking if recycling is still worth it. The answer is a resounding YES! If we are diligent and recycle only what is allowed, we will save money - $35 per ton to dispose of recycling versus $73 per ton to dispose of trash. Plus, recycling is still important for a clean, healthy environment.

 

For more information about what can and cannot be recycled, check out ecomaine's Recyclopedia or download their Recyclopedia app. More information about the Town's recycling and waste management program is available on the Town's website.

Spring has sprung and house cleaning has begun! Just a reminder that if you are planning on having a garage or yard sale the Town of Scarborough requires that you have a permit. Only two (2) permits can be issued within a six (6) month period. The permit is good for three (3) consecutive days and the fee is $5.00. For more information, contact the Town Clerk's Office at 730-4020.

The Scarborough Police Department would like to you to join us in recognizing April 2019 as DISTRACTED DRIVING AWARENESS MONTH. As this issue continues to grow and be problematic, law enforcement asks you to be part of the solution

We are committed to ensuring that motorist traveling on the roads of Scarborough can do so in the safest manner possible. There are many external human elements that cannot be controlled which often results in a motor vehicle crash. Our goal is to help reduce these external elements by way of proactively patrolling and enforcing motor vehicle laws with specific consideration to Distracted Driving. The proactive enforcement of motor vehicle laws will ultimately reduce the amount of motor vehicle crashes which is the ultimate goal of traffic enforcement.  

The Scarborough Police Department has secured a grant through the Maine Department of Public Safety for Distracted Driving Enforcement. This grant will allow additional Scarborough Police Officers to patrol our roadways and enforce motor vehicle violations with specific attention to Distracted Driving violations.

It's crazy to even think about fall, but we are just a bit crazy here at Community Services! Registration for Fall 2019 rec soccer is now underway. Make sure you don't miss out on this fun fall activity for Grades Pre-K through 8 boys and girls. Feel free to spread the word to anyone you know who might be interested!

We are also always looking for fall soccer coaches so any parent interested can contact us by email or call us at 207-730-4150 and let us know. We are flexible and can work around coaches' schedules for practice day and time.