HUDSON — The town is rolling out a new single-stream recycling program next month that will eliminate the need to separate items.

By July 1, residents' green recycling bins will be replaced with a 96-gallon recycling container. Their 64-gallon trash receptacle will not be replaced.

“I'm hoping that with the ease of single stream and larger containers, people will recycle more and reduce our disposal fee,” said Road Agent Kevin Burns.

The current recycling rate is about 24 percent. It costs the town $65 a ton for trash disposal and nothing for recycling, Burns said.

No preparations are required for residents. About 9,000 new bins arriving in town Monday will be delivered to each household next week. The container will hold all recyclable items for the household.

“They can mix things together,” Burns said. “They don't have to separate anymore.”

The size of the containers makes it possible to switch from weekly recycling pickup to every other week. Trash will still be collected weekly, Burns said.

The savings brought by the program could help reduce the town's solid waste budget.

Five years ago, the town had the “Cadillac” of trash systems, Burns said. Haulers picked up as much as residents could drag to the curb.

Two years ago, Hudson switched to the current automated system. Residents received a 64-gallon trash container and a small recycling bin. The switch reduced the solid waste budget from $2 million annually to $1.6 million. The upcoming change should further reduce it to $1.5 million, Burns said.

“We're trying to limit the amount of trash that people throw away,” Burns said.

People raised questions about the initial change to an automated system, but seem to be taking the latest update in stride, Burns said.

“We haven't had as many complaints because people are used to the new system,” Burns said.

Curbside services will continue to be handled by Pinard Waste Systems, the town's hauler for the past five years. A new five-year contract with the company starts July 1.

Town Administrator Steve Malizia said solid waste removal is one of the largest single items in the budget and welcomes initiatives like recycling that help control costs. He estimated that every $30,000 spent equals 1 cent on the tax rate.

“The more we get out of the stream, the more we'll save from that budget,” Malizia said.

Pinard Waste Systems was able to offer the single stream service without increasing costs by automating the system. The new recycling truck picks up recycling barrels with an automated arm, Malizia said. The driver can complete the route without getting out of the truck at every stop.

The large containers should do the job for most households, Malizia said. Residents can also put out smaller containers, if they prefer.

“For an average family of four, what we're providing should more that meet their needs,” Malizia said.

jhanson@newstote.com