Grafton Trash Bag Prices Rise as Town Shifts to User-Fee System

Grafton residents will pay more for trash bags starting this month as the town shifts to a user-fee-funded system, while Grafton Public Schools moves ahead on capital repairs and a Grafton journalist's cold-case reporting draws statewide attention.

TOWN HALL

The town has raised pricing on its Pay-As-You-Throw trash bags, effective July 1, 2026, according to the town's website. Officials said the adjustment is designed to fully fund trash and recycling operations through user fees rather than continued reliance on taxpayer support.

SCHOOLS

Grafton Public Schools is confronting facilities needs at Grafton Middle School, where a district capital plan has flagged roofing issues alongside a full roof assessment completed last year. The district, led by Superintendent Dr. James Cummings, has posted updated timelines and reports on the roof work as it weighs next steps. Separately, the district has opened kindergarten registration for the 2026-2027 school year for families looking to enroll incoming students.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

"🌱 Patch AM: How a Grafton journalist is reopening questions in a 1993 child murder" — A Grafton-based journalist is revisiting long-unresolved questions in a 1993 child killing, per Grafton Patch's daily roundup. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/grafton)

COMING UP

The Select Board and the Trails Committee both meet Tuesday, July 21. The Board of Sewer Commissioners and an amended School Committee meeting are both scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, the same day the Grafton Farmers Market returns to the Common. On Thursday, July 23, the Charter Review Committee's Article 4 Subcommittee and the Board of Library Trustees' Policy Subcommittee are both set to meet.