Grafton Raises PAYT Trash Bag Prices Effective July 1
GRAFTON — The town has adjusted pricing on its pay-as-you-throw trash bags, effective July 1, in a move officials say is meant to fund solid-waste operations through user fees rather than taxpayer dollars. Separately, Grafton was named one of six New England communities to receive a 2026 SMILE Mass Floating Beach Wheelchair Grant, which will bring an accessibility wheelchair to Silver Lake Beach.
TOWN HALL
The Department of Public Works has raised PAYT bag prices as of July 1, according to a notice posted by the town. Officials said the adjustment is intended to fully fund trash and recycling operations through user fees and reduce reliance on general tax support.
Grafton was selected as one of six New England communities to receive a 2026 SMILE Mass Floating Beach Wheelchair Grant, the town announced. The grant will provide a floating beach wheelchair to increase accessibility at Silver Lake Beach.
The Select Board is seeking residents interested in filling vacancies on several town boards and committees, and the town has also posted a call for applicants to its newly formed Grafton Common Traffic Study Committee, which will be responsible for developing a strategic plan for traffic changes and improvements at the Common.
SCHOOLS
Grafton Public Schools has opened kindergarten registration for the 2026-2027 school year. Parents, guardians and other caregivers looking to register an incoming kindergartner are directed to the district's registration information page.
The district is also running its 2026 Summer Enrichment Program, offering hands-on learning, artistic expression and STEAM programming through the summer, and has posted logistics for 6th grade Chromebook pickup and iPad deployment sessions for new Grafton High School students and incoming ninth graders.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
Grafton Public Library's summer reading program, "Plant a Seed — Read!," is underway for all ages, alongside the Massachusetts Center for the Book's July reading challenge. The library also continues its weekly drop-in cribbage session, held every Friday.
COMING UP
The Grafton Farmers Market returns to the Common on Wednesday, July 22, with another date set for Wednesday, July 29. The Trails Committee meets Tuesday, July 21; the Board of Sewer Commissioners and the School Committee both meet Wednesday, July 22; and the Charter Review Committee's Article 4 and Article 6 subcommittees meet Thursday, July 23, and Monday, July 20, respectively. The Community Preservation Committee holds its monthly meeting Thursday, July 23. A Grafton Electronics Recycling Event is set for Saturday, July 25, and the Grafton Rec Concert Series on the Common kicks off Thursday, July 30.