Douglas Board of Health Calls In Solid Waste Contractor to Clarify Billing Before Renewal

DOUGLAS -- February 9, 2026, Douglas Board of Health moves to bring in solid waste contractor amid billing confusion. The board, meeting February 9, agreed to invite a representative from its recycling contractor, referred to by members as possibly named Kevin, to explain a billing breakdown they said they cannot interpret before any contract renewal is pursued. Members noted that Blackstone Valley Recycling's temporary closure for a new baler installation had pushed the town's recycling to a backup contractor identified as BP, with a bill still outstanding. The town's health nurse reported that combination flu-and-COVID tests will be ordered through the Blackstone Valley Partnership for Public Health within two weeks, that sharps containers funded by opioid settlement money are now in active circulation, and that six Motorola two-way radios were approved through a federal emergency preparedness grant to replace 15-year-old units at the town's Emergency Distribution Site. The board also learned that roughly 14 local nonprofits, including scouting groups, are enrolled in a rotating bottles-and-cans redemption program at the transfer station, with two or three groups currently active each week.