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Portsmouth public works proposes 95‑gallon cans, appointment‑based bulk pickup and new fines in refuse ordinance update
Summary
The city’s public works director proposed modernizing the refuse ordinance: mandatory 95‑gallon automated carts for residential service, an appointment system for bulk pickup beginning July 1, clear placement windows, and a tiered fine schedule up to $2,500 for hazardous waste disposal; council asked for outreach and clarification on enforcement.
Gerard Roberts, director of public works, presented a comprehensive update to the city’s refuse ordinance (Chapter 16), saying legal review found definitions were outdated and enforcement needed to be strengthened.
Roberts outlined the key changes: mandatory use of 95‑gallon automated containers for residential automated collection (the city’s automated trucks pick up 95‑gallon cans more reliably); clarified definitions for bulk refuse, yard waste and municipal solid waste (MSW); appointment‑based bulk collection to begin July 1 to improve efficiency; rules for collection placement (containers may be placed starting 5 p.m. the day before collection and must be retrieved by 7 a.m. the day after collection); specifications for yard‑waste limb lengths (4–6 feet) and limits on bulk cardboard; and new penalties and fines ranging from initial notices up to $2,500 where disposal of hazardous material makes disposal expensive.
"Residential automated collection, mandatory 95 gallon containers," Roberts said, explaining the switch is tied to the city’s automated truck fleet and to recent sorting technology that allows single‑stream recycling.
Council members pressed operational questions. Vice Mayor Moody asked whether recycling still needs a separate blue can; Roberts confirmed Portsmouth is using AMP Robotics single‑stream sorting and that the blue container will be replaced by the 95‑gallon black can as older blue cans age out. Roberts said fines for uncollected or improperly placed refuse will be assessed through the utility bill; in cases of nonpayment, water service can be disconnected as an enforcement tool.
Roberts also described outreach and implementation steps: public education in May–June, staff training and a grace period before full enforcement, and a new online/call‑in system to schedule bulk pickups. He recommended a phased approach to enforcement and emphasized using multiple outreach channels, including direct mail, QR codes and civic leagues, to ensure residents understand new rules.
Council asked staff to provide one‑page materials residents could use to explain the new rules to neighbors and asked staff to consider direct mail or inserts with utility bills. Council did not adopt the ordinance during the work session; staff will return with final ordinance language and implementation details ahead of the July 1 effective date.
