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Assessing Department - Owner

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1. What are the Fiscal 2018 Tax Rates?

Town – $14.29 per 1,000 in value

Sandwich Water District - $ .66 per 1,000 in value

North Sagamore Water - $.91 per 1,000 in value

Community Preservation Act - 3% of the Town tax

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Public Works - Owner

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1. What is the most efficient method to report an unplowed road following a winter storm?

Report an unplowed road after an event totaling three or more inches of snow town-wide via phone

2. Why do certain streets get more attention than others?

Plow routes are prioritized based on many factors including, but not limited to traffic volume, speeds, emergency needs, school bus routes, geographical characteristics of a road, and storm type.  The focus is on main roads first, followed by bus routes, hills, main subdivision roads, minor subdivision roads and, finally, sidewalks.  Depending on storm conditions, subdivision roads are not plowed until 3” of snow have accumulated.  During some storms, only the main roads within a subdivision will be plowed or treated with materials.  Please refer to the Winter Maintenance Policy within this site for more information on plowing policies and priorities.

3. Why do snow plows block my driveway with snow when they clear the road?

The DPW is sorry for this inconvenience.  Unfortunately, this is unavoidable since our first responsibility is to clear the roads for safe passage.  While snow plow operators try to minimize the amount of snow that is plowed into driveways, it is the owner’s responsibility to clear their driveway opening.  To avoid extra shovel work, try to shovel after the snow plow has driven by, and shovel the snow to the right side of your driveway as you face the road.  Visit our Winter Preparation page for a diagram of how to avoid the Second Shovel.

4. What If I Have a Medical Emergency and My Street Has Not Been Plowed of Snow Yet?

If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. If the rescue squad needs assistance getting to you they will notify the Public Works Department.

5. Why do snow plow operators drive with their blades up during a storm?

There are several reasons why snow plow operators are not always pushing back the snow.  They could be in operation to spread materials, may be headed back to fuel up, or the driver may not be responsible for that route and is driving to another street.

6. My mailbox was damaged during the winter storm, will the Town repair it?

The Town does not repair damaged mailboxes caused by snow plowing.  The Town will only repair or replace mailboxes if evidence shows that the actual plow blade hit the mailbox.  The Town is not responsible for damage to a mailbox from snow being plowed onto it.  If the plow blade damaged your mailbox please contact the DPW by phone (508-833-8002) or SeeClickFix and we will inspect the mailbox after the storm.

Mailboxes should be located 18 inches from the edge of road to minimize damage from snow plowing.  Residents should contact the Postal Service to determine proper location of the mailboxes.

7. The Town damaged my property (lawn, sprinkler, shrubs, etc), will they repair the damage?

The Town will not repair any damaged items that were located within the Town layout (i.e., right-of-way).   The Town layout typically extends 5 to 15 feet beyond the pavement (property owners can view the Town GIS Maps to view rough estimates of the town layout near their frontage).

To minimize damage to lawns, the Town recommends that residents install stakes or markers 6 to 12 inches off the edge of pavement to alert snow plow operators of the road edge.  The DPW recommends using 48-inch orange fiberglass markers with white reflective tape (see below).  Fiberglass markers will minimize damage to vehicles if accidently struck and the reflective tape is clearly visible to snow plow operators.  Markers are available at local hardware stores.  If residents have installed markers and still experience damage to their lawns (i.e., grass is torn up), they should contact the DPW for inspection following the storm.

8. Where can I direct my questions and comments?

You can contact the DPW at 508-833-8002

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Public Works Transfer Station FAQs

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1. What is Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT)?

Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) is a system much like electricity, gas or telephone under which the user pays a basic amount (sticker) that covers fixed costs and then a user fee (bags) for the amount used.

2. How does PAYT work?

You buy Town approved bags at stores where you usually shop. You put your trash in those bags and bring them to the Transfer Station to dispose of as you currently do with your trash.

3. When did Sandwich implement the program?

The program began on July 1, 2011.

4. Why did the Town implement the PAYT program?

The Town implemented PAYT to offset the increasing costs of trash disposal. PAYT allows each household to control their volume of trash disposal and the associated costs with excess disposal. PAYT encourages recycling which benefits everyone.

5. Is this a new idea in Massachusetts?

No, many communities in Massachusetts currently utilize a PAYT program.

6. How much will bags cost?

Pay-As-You-Throw Bag Fees

7. How much does the permit fee cost?

Transfer Station Permit Fee

8. What type of bags do we have to use?

Our PAYT bags will be BLUE and will be imprinted with the Town Seal and Town specific information. The bags will be 1.25 to 1.5 ml in thickness with drawstrings.

9. Does everyone have to purchase bags?

Yes. Everyone bringing their trash to the Transfer Station will have to purchase the PAYT bags.

10. Where can we buy bags?

Residents may purchase bags at many local stores.

11. What if I don’t have the proper bag?

You will not be able to dispose of your trash at the Transfer Station until it’s in the proper bag.

12. How many PAYT bags will we be able to dispose of each week?

There is no limit on the amount of PAYT bags you bring to the Transfer Station each week for disposal. The PAYT bag program is designed to offset the cost of trash disposal. Each resident controls how much they spend for their own trash disposal.

13. How does the Town minimize illegal dumping?

The Town regularly monitor areas which have historically had dumping issues. We use whatever means necessary to identify the offenders and fine them in accordance with Massachusetts State Law and Town Bylaws.  We would encourage all citizens to report offenders as well as engage the cooperation of our citizens for the success of the program.

14. Will there be any charge for recycling?

No. Standard recycling items (e.g., cans, plastics, bottles, paper) will remain free.

15. How do I dispose of non-routine items?

Non-routine items (e.g., refrigerators, TV’s, mattresses) can be dropped-off at the Transfer Station. A fee for each item will be charged to offset disposal costs.

16. How can I reduce my trash costs?

Practice the 3 R’s:

1. Reduce (e.g., compost, purchase products that are not wasteful in their packaging or use),
2. Re-use (e.g.,hand-me-downs, garage sales, clothing charities).
3. Recycle (e.g., paper, glass, plastics, cans).

17. How can residents using private haulers recycle?

Board of Health regulation requires private haulers to provide curb-side recycling.

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Transfer Station

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1. What do I need to access the Transfer Station?

You need to purchase either an annual Permit or a One-Time pass to access the Transfer Station.

2. Where do I purchase a One-Time Pass or Non-Routine Ticket?

One-Time Passes and Non-Routine Tickets can be purchased at the Tax Collector's Office by cash or check only or at the Transfer Station solar Kiosk by cash or credit / debit card.

3. Do I need to use Pay-As-You-Throw bags with a One-Time-Pass?

Yes, any method of access to dispose household solid waste requires the use of Sandwich Pay-As-You-Throw bags.

4. Can I dispose non-routine items or leaves & grass clippings with a One-Time Pass?

No, only household solid waste and everyday recycling can be disposed with a One-Time Pass.

5. How do I dispose bulky items if I own a small car?

By using a trailer or hiring a local disposal contractor.  Only permitted vehicles are allowed access to dispose bulky-items.

6. When will compost be available to Transfer Station permit holders?

Compost is typically screened and made available to Transfer Station permit holders mid-May.

7. Does the Sandwich Transfer Station operate a "swap-shop"?

The Sandwich Transfer Station does not operate a "swap-shop".  Instead, users are encourage to donate their reusable items at a recycling organization

8. Where do I dispose prohibited Transfer Station items?

Brush and demolition can be disposed at an alternative facility.  Household hazardous waste can be disposed at annual collection events.

9. How do I dispose oil or gas soaked rags?

Oil or gas soaked rags can be disposed at one of four annual Upper Cape Household Hazardous Waste Collections organized by the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension