THE ITEM

Sterling continues recycling relationship for three more years with Earthday

STERLING — The town will continue its participation in the Wachusett Watershed Recycling Center, known as Earthday.

At their Jan. 5 meeting, Select Board members praised the program, which includes recycling information, a recycling center and a related store, mostly run by volunteers.

The board voted to approve the three-year contract, which includes a 2.5% increase in cost for each year, which Select Board members called fair.

The town's share for the first year is $34,385.

"I am happy to continue the relationship with Wachusett Recycling," Select Board Chair Maureen Cranson said, adding the only drawback to her is that she would love to see the center open more, although that would increase costs and require more volunteers.

In other business

• The Select Board will meet with schools officials, likely at its Feb. 16 meeting, to discuss the next fiscal year budget.

• Bigelow Garden will be donating an evergreen, to be planted in front of the Butterick Building, which the town will be able to decorate for the holidays. This year, interim administrator Kama Jayne donated a tree for the site.