NEWBURY — Even before the season began heating up on Plum Island, beachgoers were leaving behind plenty of evidence they had returned to the shores.
Garbage has been piling up on Plum Island beaches and roads.
It's a problem the Plum Island Foundation intends to do something about — and quickly.
This week, foundation board member Hooks Johnston presented to selectmen a plan for trash collection and removal on the island's beaches, which was unanimously approved by the board.
Trash collection on the island had been the responsibility of the Newbury Highway Department until last year when the service was eliminated because of a lack of funds.
As a result, island residents have had to take on much of the responsibility for keeping the beach areas clean.
"I don't like trash, and, unfortunately, there is quite a bit on the island, so we thought we should do something about it," said Johnston, who lives on Gloria Street.
The foundation's plan is twofold. First, the group plans to place two, 2-cubic-yard trash collection bins on the island at the former Jeannie's restaurant in Plum Island Center and one below blue, The Inn on the Beach on Fordham Way. The bins will be emptied weekly.
The group is also hiring someone to spend 10 to 15 hours a week monitoring the island for trash and tending to areas in need of cleanup.
"I walked the island through a 7-mile path to estimate how long it might take someone to police and clean up the area," Johnston said.
Donations to the foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting island beaches and waterways and ensuring public access and enjoyment of the area, will cover the costs.
But Sam Joslin, Newbury's administrator of a program in which sponsors agree to oversee the upkeep of public areas in town, had some concerns. Saying trash management on the island is a huge undertaking, he wondered if the foundation might find that it requires more work than anticipated.
"This is a very large commitment to the town, and while it is very much appreciated, we hope that no one abuses it and it has to be discontinued," Joslin said.
Johnston said the foundation is worried that since there is no trash pickup in Newbury, people might use the bins to dispose of their household trash, which is not their intended purpose.
Selectman Charles Bear, who was responsible for trash pickup on Plum Island for several years, said, "You can bet on it. When I used to do the trash, we used to get everything from cars to couches left for us."
Johnston said the foundation is committed to trying to clean up the area and would see how the plan works through September, then revisit the issue.
"If the trash gets as bad as you say, we simply won't provide the service anymore," Johnston said.
Beachgoers and islanders can expect to find the bins in place soon. The North Andover-based Northside Carting has been hired by the foundation to install and empty the bins and do the cleanup. Signs will be posted at the bins indicating they are sponsored by Plum Island Foundation.
Donations to support the effort may be made to the Plum Island Foundation, P.O. Box 226, Newburyport 01950.
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