Grafton Raises Trash Bag Fees, Seeks Board Volunteers
GRAFTON — Grafton's pay-as-you-throw trash bag prices increased on July 1, and the Select Board is now seeking residents to fill several open seats on town boards and committees.
TOWN HALL
The town's PAYT (pay-as-you-throw) trash bag pricing went up effective July 1, according to a notice from the town. Officials said the adjustment was made to fully fund solid-waste operations through user fees rather than relying on taxpayer support, though the town did not specify the new per-bag cost in its posted notice.
Separately, the Grafton Select Board announced it is seeking interested residents to fill vacancies on several town boards and committees, part of the town's ongoing effort to keep its volunteer boards fully staffed. Residents interested in serving were directed to the town's board and committee vacancy notice for details on openings and how to apply.
This week also brings a cluster of town meetings, including an IT Committee meeting Wednesday, a revised Zoning Board of Appeals session, two Charter Review Committee meetings, and an Affordable Housing Trust meeting, all set for Thursday.
SCHOOLS
Grafton Public Schools continued preparations for the 2026-2027 school year, with several logistical notices posted this week. The district announced Chromebook pickup sessions for incoming sixth graders and iPad deployment sessions for new students and incoming ninth graders at Grafton High School, both set for this summer.
Kindergarten registration for the 2026-2027 school year remains open, with the district inviting parents and guardians of incoming kindergartners to register through the district website. The district also continues to work through capital planning tied to roofing needs at Grafton Middle School, an issue flagged in prior facilities assessments posted to the district site.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
Grafton Public Library's summer reading program, themed "Plant a Seed — Read!," is underway for patrons of all ages, alongside the Massachusetts Center for the Book's June reading challenge. The library also continues its weekly drop-in cribbage sessions every Friday for residents looking for a casual game night.
The Grafton Farmers Market runs Wednesdays on the Common through the summer, with sessions scheduled for July 8, 15, 22, and 29. The Grafton Rec Concert Series on the Common is set for July 30.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Popular Chinese Restaurant Celebrates Grand Reopening In Grafton" — a local Chinese restaurant held a ribbon-cutting and grand reopening celebration recently, according to Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/grafton).
"🌱 Patch AM: Harrison Stebbins at Post Office Pub (Grafton) and 11 more events" — Patch's roundup highlighted upcoming local events including Summer Preview Days and a musical performance at Post Office Pub, according to Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/grafton).
"Here's How Many Beaches Are Closed To Swimming In MA" — several Massachusetts beaches remain closed following a sewer line rupture last month, though some have since reopened, according to Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/grafton).
COMING UP
The IT Committee meets Wednesday, July 8. The Zoning Board of Appeals holds a revised public meeting Thursday, July 9, the same day as two Charter Review Committee sessions and an Affordable Housing Trust meeting. The Planning Board meets Monday, July 13. The Grafton Farmers Market continues Wednesdays through July 29, and Summer Preview Days is set for July 21, per Patch's community calendar.