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Somerville to require wheeled trash containers as new hauling contract is sought; ordinance details explained
Summary
Council and staff outlined that a new solid-waste hauling contract (bids due March 11) will enforce an existing ordinance requiring sturdy plastic curbside containers (no loose bags), permit two household containers (up to 96 gallons each) without extra stickers, and recommend a practical weight limit of 70 pounds.
Borough staff told the council on Feb. 17 that Somerville has put out bids for a new solid-waste hauling contract and will implement an existing borough ordinance requiring curbside trash be in approved containers rather than loose bags.
Kevin, a borough staff member leading the briefing, said solid-waste bids are due March 11 and an estimated start date for the new contract would be April 1. He said the ordinance enacted in 2024 will be enforced when the new contractor begins: "no more garbage bags," he summarized, explaining the change supports automated collection arms on modern trucks.
Kevin described key implementation details: households may place two sturdy plastic containers at curbside without an additional sticker; the largest allowed container is 96 gallons; the ordinance recommends that containers not exceed 70 pounds to make them manageable for residents; and recyclables should continue to be separated from trash. He described the borough's sticker program for additional regular containers (one sticker for a 65‑gallon extra container; two stickers for a 96‑gallon extra container) and said local vendors already sell compliant cans.
Officials said bulky items and refrigerators remain restricted, and that the bid specifications require transfer to the Bridgewater transfer station (BRRI), with landfill costs passed through to the borough as a separate charge. Kevin said the container math typically favors property owners because two containers hold more than the prior four‑bag limit before stickers are required.
Council members said the borough will post pictures of compliant cans at Borough Hall and increase social-media outreach to help residents prepare for the transition. Staff also said they will display example containers at Borough Hall so residents can inspect them before the contract begins.
