Fairfield commission presses to order food‑waste containers as 12‑week lead time looms

Fairfield’s Solid Waste and Recycling Commission on Feb. 9 pressed to place an order for food‑waste pilot containers so the town can run the program through late spring and summer.

Chair Tim Besler said the containers are included in the town’s budget request and urged commissioners to get them on order because ‘‘every month that goes by…means the shorter period of time we’ll have for the pilot program.’’ The commission emphasized the need to finalize procurement, messaging and hauling contracts once the containers are on order.

Department Director John Catell told commissioners he expected a long lead time for delivery and said they were "looking at a 12 week delivery here," which he and others said drives the urgency to place orders now. Members discussed that container purchases under a low per‑unit threshold would not require a formal RFP but that hauling services likely would once the pilot is approved and financed.

Commissioners and staff also discussed outreach plans for the pilot, including simple on‑container graphics and a QR code to register residents. Besler said the pilot should be kept clear and simple so residents understand the service.

The commission did not reach a final procurement decision at the meeting; Catell said staff will continue work on costs and timing and will pursue a hauling procurement once purchase orders are in place. The commission expects further updates as the budget review and contracting steps proceed.