Mayor previews July 1 change in Beverly's trash-and-recycling contract, expects RFI responses this week

The mayor updated the Beverly City Council on the administration's work to replace the city's trash-and-recycling contract, which expires June 30. The mayor said staff issued an RFI (request for expressions of interest) and extended the response deadline after receiving requests for more time.

"Our trash recycling contract ends June 30," the mayor said, and staff have been meeting with haulers and the state Department of Environmental Protection for technical assistance. The administration described the RFI as part of a multi-step process that will inform the structure of the next contract, including the degree of automation the new service will use.

The mayor said the administration expects some neighborhoods will need rear-loading service because of narrow streets while others could receive fully automated curbside service. Automation would require purchasing carts that can be mechanically lifted; the administration said it will time any orders so carts arrive before a contract start. The mayor said grant and vendor responses will clarify cost and service options and that city staff plan community outreach to prepare residents for changes.

On composting, the mayor said the administration has emphasized curbside composting options in vendor conversations and plans to "relaunch" outreach around the current Black Earth program while monitoring vendor responses for broader solutions.

Councilors asked about timing; the mayor said staff will begin initial review later in the week and expects the administration to make significant decisions in the next four to six weeks. The mayor also noted that waste-hauling services are exempt from state procurement law, meaning the RFI will inform negotiations rather than determine a single statutory winner.

The mayor offered to return in April with more details after staff review of the submitted responses.