Torrington approves $60,575 purchase of 210 bear‑resistant carts to sell to residents

The Torrington City Council voted May 4 to purchase 210 bear‑resistant carts from Waste Quip LLC (Charlotte, N.C.) under a national cooperative bid (Sourcewell #12324‑O) for an initial expenditure of $54,705 for carts plus $5,870 in freight, totaling $60,575. Funding was approved from the public works capital reserve.

Linda Our (identified in the agenda as the recycling coordinator) said the carts would be sold to residents for about $300 each to cover purchase and shipping costs; she said residents who currently rent a bear‑resistant cart from USA Hauling pay $144 per year and would break even on a purchase in about two years. The plan calls for the city to recoup its upfront cost and use receipts to buy additional carts as needed.

Council members asked about demand and whether $60,575 was an appropriate short‑term use of the capital reserve. Staff said there are currently roughly 110–114 residents using bear carts through USA Hauling and receive daily calls requesting more carts; the 210‑unit order was described as a full truckload to minimize per‑unit shipping. Council members discussed ordering 64‑gallon carts (cheaper by about $20 per unit) versus the 96‑gallon units residents are accustomed to; staff said the 96‑gallon standard better matched resident expectations.

The mayor and public works representatives said they expected the capital outlay to be recouped quickly through sales to residents. After discussion and questions, the council approved the purchase by voice vote.

What happens next: The city will place the order under the Sourcewell bid, sell carts to residents (suggested price $300 each), and use proceeds to replenish inventory.