Methuen is expanding its commitment to sustainability by launching a new curbside textile recycling program in partnership with the non-profit Planet Aid Inc. Starting March 1, residents will be able to schedule home pickups for used clothing, footwear and other fabric items.
Mayor D.J. Beauregard announced that the program provides a convenient way for residents to recycle textiles while reducing waste. Residents can schedule a free pickup by visiting www.planetaid.org/lp-home-donation-pickup or the city website (methuen.gov) or by calling (508) 893-0644. Pickups will take place on the first and third Saturdays of each month, and residents must schedule at least two days in advance. Items should be placed curbside in plastic bags by 8am on the scheduled pickup day.
Acceptable Items for collection:
Clothing: Men’s, women’s and children’s apparel.
Outerwear: Coats and jackets.
Accessories: Shoes, sneakers, purses, hats, belts and ties.
Additional items: Backpacks, sleeping bags, bedding, towels, small toys, stuffed animals and DVDs (but no other electronics or appliances).
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has made waste reduction a priority, setting a goal to cut 30% of waste by 2030. Since November 2022, state regulations have banned the disposal of textiles in landfills and waste incinerators, mandating recycling instead.
Methuen has already made significant strides in reducing waste. Since the introduction of trash limits through the city’s cart program and changes to bulky waste collection in 2022, Methuen has cut its trash tonnage by 25% – from over 20,000 tons to just 15,000 tons in 2024.
“This curbside textile recycling program is another important step in our mission to lower costs for taxpayers by reducing Methuen’s waste,” said Beauregard. “By diverting more materials from landfills and into recycling and reuse programs, we’re making both an economic and environmental impact while providing our residents with a convenient new service.”
This program comes at no cost to the City of Methuen or its residents. In fact, it will generate revenue for Methuen. Under the agreement signed by Mayor Beauregard, Planet Aid will pay the city 9 cents per pound of collected textiles – turning waste reduction into a financial benefit for the community.
For more details, visit the Trash and Recycling page at www.methuen.gov.
Mayor: $20M in
free cash is historic
Last month, Mayor DJ Beauregard announced that the Massachusetts Department of Revenue’s Division of Local Services had certified Methuen’s free cash at a historic $20,926,263 – an impressive $2.5 million (14%) increase over last year. This milestone reflects the city’s commitment to strong financial management and fiscal responsibility.
“This is an extraordinary achievement for Methuen,” said Beauregard. “Thanks to the exceptional stewardship of our late Mayor Neil Perry and Chief Administrative and Financial Officer Maggie Duprey, our city has undergone a remarkable financial turnaround. This certification affirms Methuen’s sound fiscal strategy and responsible budgeting.”
Methuen’s certified free cash – if not the highest ever – is at its highest level in at least two decades. This positions the city’s reserve levels at 10% of the total budget, aligning with best financial practices. Free cash is generated when the city’s actual operating results compare favorably with the budget.
According to Beauregard, a robust free cash reserve allows Methuen to fund critical capital improvements, bolster stabilization funds, support strategic one-time investments and maintain a strong bond rating, reducing borrowing costs for future projects.
In partnership with the City Council, Beauregard and Duprey recently designated free cash allocations to fund a comprehensive operational audit of Methuen Public Schools and a top-to-bottom deep-clean of Tenney Grammar School.
As recently as Fiscal Year 2019, Methuen faced a free cash deficit of -$1,955,028. In just six years, the city has achieved a staggering 1,170% increase in free cash, transforming its financial situation from crisis to stability, according to a Mayor’s Office press release.
Riccio is interim
Sr. Center leader
Methuen Council on Aging Director Ashley Shaheen, who has been leading our thriving Senior Center for the previous year, resigned and her last day was Feb. 14.
Assistant Director Susan Riccio has been named interim director, per Shaheen. The job was posted on the City of Methuen website Jan. 29 and deadline to apply was Feb. 18.
Riccio has worked at the center for decades, serving as director of the center’s Happy Hearts Chorus and previously as activities coordinator.
In a statement, Shaheen stated, “This decision comes with a heavy heart, but I believe it is the right step for me at this point in my professional journey.”
Shaheen is the third COA director to leave Methuen in past 16 months. She replaced Linda Sheehan who worked 31 years at the center – serving as director for the final two years before retiring in December 2023. Prior to that, Corinne Lacharite retired in October 2023 after leading the Senior Center for 32 years.
Shaheen said she has accepted a new position, but didn’t indicate what it is.
“It has been an incredible honor to serve this community – one that has meant so much to me throughout my life. I’m proud of the work we’ve done together,” said the Presentation of Mary Academy alum and longtime Haverhill resident.
Last year, the Methuen Senior Center celebrated its 40th anniversary. There are about 13,000 older adults who call Methuen home. The center is open to all Methuen retirees, regardless of age.
City Hall open late
Methuen City Hall offices have started a six-month pilot program of remaining open until 7:30pm on the evenings of City Council meetings. So if your days are busy but you need to pay a bill, order a birth certificate or pull a permit, head on over to the Searles Building!
The first late opening was Monday, Nov. 18.
Remaining dates are as follows:
Mondays, March 3 and 17.
Mondays, April 7 and 21.
Monday, May 5.
Time to sign up
for youth programs
Now’s the time to “think spring … extra-curriculars!”
Programs fill up fast and registering early can save money.
Sign-ups are now taking place for Methuen Youth Lacrosse (methuenlax.com), Youth Soccer (methuensoccer.org), Youth Baseball (methuenyouthbaseball.org), Girls Softball League (methuengirlssoftball.teampages.com) and Scouting (endbreen@aol.com); as well as Skate and Read Program, Home Alone Staying Safe program and Baby Sitter Safety Training (register for these at methuenrec.com).
Our Parks and Rec Department also offers February Vacation Programs like Lego Masters, Sports Zone and Basketball Clinic (methuenrec.com). There will be a Youth Tennis Clinic in the spring.
’25 meeting, trash
schedules online
The 2025 City Council and School Committee meeting schedules, as well as the trash and recycling calendar, are all available at cityofmethuen.net. Many city meetings are live-streamed and can also be found On Demand at methuentv.org; meeting minutes are posted on the city website. Find additional info on City Council at Methuen.gov/council and info on School Committee at Methuen.k12.ma.us/school-community.
Receive text, e-mail
alerts from city
Did you know that you can receive texts and/or e-mails for city alerts (weather emergencies, office closures, etc.), notifications about city boards and committees, the winter parking ban, community events, City of Methuen employment opportunities, Rec Department events and more? Visit cityofmethuen.net and search for “Sign up for Alerts.”
Help with housing,
food and fuel aid, etc.
The Methuen Community Resource Center is open for walk-in visits for all Methuen residents who need assistance with things like SNAP, MassHealth, SSI, state fuel assistance, food insecurity, free Covid test kits, connecting individuals with housing, hoarding services, substance use treatment, free Narcan access, mental-health support and more. Open Monday to Thursday, 8am-4pm; Fridays, 8am-12:30pm; and Wednesdays until 7:30pm at 1 Broadway. Call (978) 983-8664 for info.
