CHESHIRE, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire Solid Waste Management District (NBSWMD) partnered with Casella Waste to bring a recycling-focused Touch-a-Truck to the Youth Center. 

 

"The kids have been ready for this all day," said Youth Center Executive Director: Sonia DiSanti Tuesday at the former Cheshire Elementary School, where the Youth Center is housed.

 

NBSWM Program Director Linda Cernik said the Touch-a-Truck event is a new idea for the district that came out of conversations with Casella, the NBSWMD contracted hauler.

 

"This is totally new for us, and I have been working a lot with Casella Waste. They wanted to know what they could do to help the community," she said. "I was thinking about the kids, the environment, and different career opportunities and thought let's have a Touch-a-Truck." 

 

Around 80 kids ages 2 to 15 moved from truck to truck. Casella had a few trucks from their fleet alongside vehicles from Second Chance Composting and Tommy's Compost Service. Cheshire town vehicles were also on scene for good measure.

 

"We didn't want to do it too formal because the kids get bored, but we want them to interact with the driver and the truck," Cernik said. "We are talking about recycling and composting and how it all works."

 

The drivers lifted kids in and out of their trucks. They gave quick explainers about what the trucks do although they were often cut off by kids eagerly pulling the air horn in the various trucks.

 

Stephen Haeder, division manager at Casella Waste Systems laughed and said it didn't take long for the kids to figure out the air horn.

 

He said it was important for the business to be involved in the community they serve.

 

"I think it is important to grow in the community and help everyone learn more about recycling," he said. "We want to give back."

 

He added that they hold different fundraisers in the community and not only help educate but to aid those in need.

 

DiSanti said she was happy the business came out for the kids.

 

"They came out for the kids, and we are always looking for educational opportunities," she said.

 

Cernik agreed and felt it was important for kids to not only learn about recycling but also learn about different careers in recycling, composting and waste management.

 

Cernik added that she is proud of the growing partnership with Casella and they have held community cleanups. She said they are always working on different collections. 

 

"We're really working well together and closely to really expand because I don't think people really know the impact that Casella Waste has in the community," she said. "They do a lot and it is a tough job."