To the editor:
I am writing in response to the Friday, July 11, 2025, edition of The Daily Item, titled “A barrel of change coming in Lynn.” The article discussed the replacement of all trash and recycling barrels in the city.
Why replace all of them? Many are still serviceable. Just replace the ones that are broken or damaged. This is a huge waste of resources.
The new barrels will be the same size as the current ones, so there is no mechanical requirement from the new disposal company for this replacement. How much of the new waste disposal contract cost was allocated to replacing all the barrels? How much would we have saved if only the damaged ones were replaced?
Well, Mayor Nicholson?
The best part of the article: “According to the city, ‘We aim to distribute new, standardized barrels designed to be consistent with the city’s visual brand.’” Visual brand? We are not selling fashion. We are collecting trash.
We deserve a full accounting of the additional cost this wasteful decision will incur — and we deserve it now.
Bill Morrill
