CAPE ELIZABETH — The town wants to know how residents feel about the Recycling Center.

The Solid Waste and Recycling Long Range Planning Committee created a survey as part of its effort to find a long-term solution to increasing safety at the Dennison Drive center.

The survey can be taken online, or picked up at Town Hall or at the Recycling Center. 

The push for increased safety follows the death of former Public Works Director Herbert Dennison, 79, who was killed on Nov. 24, 2014, when he was hit by a car and knocked into the two-story trash hopper. Christine Sharp-Lopez, 72, was backing into the hopper area when she struck Dennison.

A new traffic pattern that prohibits drivers from backing up went into effect at the center on Jan. 21. Town Manager Mike McGovern in January said the change was intended to be a short-term solution, while the committee works on something more permanent.

The survey is comprised mostly of yes-or-no questions asking how residents feel about curbside pickup, various fees, recycling, and the layout of the Recycling Center. It also asks whether the Swap Shop and Bottle Shed should remain at the facility.

The final question requires writing out an answer, and sums up the intent of the survey by asking how the town can “improve the Recycling Center operation, increase recycling, and address the rising costs of trash disposal.”

Residents have until May 8 to complete the survey. The committee must submit a report to the town by June 30; McGovern said he expects the town to implement a permanent change at the Recycling Center within a year and half.

Kate Gardner can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 125 or kgardner@theforecaster.net. Follow her on Twitter: @katevgardner.