Track committee proposes weekly trash pickup, continued cardboard recycling and more hauler responsibilities for Plaistow RFP

Members of a reinstated track committee presented recommendations to the Plaistow Board of Selectmen on May 5 for the town’s upcoming residential trash and recycling request for proposals.

The committee recommended weekly residential curbside trash pickup with recycling collected every other week; continuing town cardboard drop-off dumpsters; and offering residents the option to purchase a smaller cart if they do not need a 96-gallon container.

Committee members suggested the town require more community engagement from the hauler — for example, providing dumpsters at town events, performing outreach and handing bulk-pickup options in the contract. They proposed requiring the selected vendor to handle residential complaints and to respond within a defined timeframe so town staff would no longer be the default complaint handler.

The committee also urged the town to seek route optimizations in the RFP to reduce days in town and potentially lower costs, and to include an option for scheduled bulk pickup weekends or pay-as-you-go transfer-station drop-off for Plaistow residents. They recommended that the hauler assume responsibility for replacing the town’s stock of damaged carts once the town’s existing stock is exhausted.

Selectmen discussed continuing the committee’s work. The committee also said it plans community outreach, including an information table at Old Home Day, and suggested composting be considered as a future initiative. Town staff said they will incorporate committee suggestions into the RFP and aim to issue the RFP in June.