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THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2024 Page 5 WIN Waste grant money to jump start pilot curbside composting program By Barbara Taormina T he city is inching closer to launching a pilot curbside composting program. The City Council approved an ordinance for composting which will begin with a $25,000 grant from WIN Waste. The money will be used to buy 1,000 sealable containers for residents who enroll in the composting program. Residents will pay a small annual fee and compost will be picked up weekly like other waste. The ordinance calls for investing $25,000 a year from a mix of city funds, mitigation monies and grants. According to Chief of Planning and Community Development, Tom Skwierawski, the composting program, which is expected to save millions of dollars by diverting 30 percent of the city’s waste from the traditional waste stream, will grow year after year with the help of federal and state grants from the Environmental Protection Agency and the state Department of Environmental Protection. Funds will initially be used to enroll seniors, low-income households, vets and others in need in the composting program. The goal is to eventually have totally subsidized composting. The city intends to have an equal number of participants from each ward enrolled in composting. Councillor-At-Large Marc Silvestri raised the issue of rodents, but Skwierawski said the sealed containers may actually help reduce the city’s growing rat population. Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino-Sawaya proposed an amendment to start the program at Revere High School where it can be used as an educational tool. Skwierawski said the city is ready with a request for proposals from waste haulers. The more residents who enroll in the composting program, the less the cost will be per household. The city will establish a revolving fund for any money saved through composting. The fund will be used to improve and expand curbside composting throughout Revere. Small Business Saturday in Revere on Dec. 7 Free parking is available every Saturday to encourage holiday shopping at local businesses Special to Th e Advocate M ayor Patrick M. Keefe, Jr. and the City of Revere are excited to celebrate Saturday, December 7, as Small Business Saturday. Residents are encouraged to shop and dine at the hundreds of small businesses in Revere, including the 82 that opened in 2024, to show support for the local entrepreneurs who foster the economy and enrich neighborhoods across the city. Small Business Saturday is an opportunity to discover hidden gems, connect with local entrepreneurs and keep holiday shopping dollars within the community. Multiple businesses in Revere will be offering special promotions and discounts to mark the occasion. “Small businesses uplift the City of Revere, and provide our residents with key services and community spaces,” said Mayor Keefe. “On Small Business Saturday, and every day, we encourage residents to explore and support the incredible shops, restaurants, and services that contribute to our local economy right here in Revere.” Some featured business promotions in Revere are at Dryft, Vivi’s and FineLine (500 Ocean Ave., 21 Revere Beach Blvd. and 500 Ocean Ave., respectively): 20% off $100 or more on all gift SMALL BUSINESS | SEE Page 10 SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available Sabatino Insurance is proud to welcome the loyal customers of ALWAYS READY TO SERVE YOU: Our Staff are, Emma Davidson, Jeimy Sanchez, Josephine Leone, Marie D’Amore, Rocco Longo, Z’andre Lopez, Anthony DiPierro, Darius Goudreau, Laurette Murphy, Danielle Goudreau and Tina Davidson. PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM

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