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This inaugural pilot program produced 25 cords of split and seasoned firewood, which was sold to Norwalk residents at $75 per half-cord. This generated $3,750 in sales revenue, saved $2,307 in carting fees and removed 100 tons out of the waste stream.
All this occurred with no added labor costs, because loading the wood for disposal is the equivalent to splitting it for sale.
“We started this as a pilot program to see if there was enough resident support," said Councilman John Kydes. "We quickly found that the demand was there, after continuously selling out in minutes. Ken Hughes, director of parks, did a fantastic job managing sales and pickups.”
“With a head start next time around, we will be stockpiling wood over the coming months and ready for next year’s heating season demand," said Hughes. "Future sales dates will be posted on Norwalk’s website.”
The idea for the Resident Firewood Program was conceived by Hughes and brought to fruition with the help of Mayor Harry Rilling and Kydes.
“The public has spoken and the Resident Firewood Program will be back next year," said Rilling. "A special thanks to Ken Hughes and the rest of the Parks Department crew. They really stepped up and made it happen.”
Next season, Norwalk taxpayers will be able to visit the Norwalk website at www.norwalkct.org and purchase a firewood voucher.
This voucher, a matching photo ID and a resident pass then must be presented at the DPW Yard Debris Site at 15 S. Smith St., for self-loaded pickup.
The quantity of firewood for sale is 175 pieces (approximately a half-cord) for $75.. Purchased firewood must be picked up in one visit and on specified pickup days.
Residents will be limited to the purchase of a half-cord of firewood per season. Firewood pickup days in 2015 will be announced on the city's website at www.norwalkct.org.
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