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Council amends solid waste ordinance to accommodate automated cart program, increases expressed weight guidance
Summary
Councilors debated a proposed 50‑pound limit for carts during first reading of the automated side‑load ordinance; after discussion the council amended the draft to replace 50 with 250 pounds and set minimum cart spacing rules, approving the amendment 7–0 and moving the ordinance forward for second reading with staff to confirm technical details with Casella.
Councilors spent substantial time on the first reading of amendments to Chapter 62 — the city’s solid waste code — that convert the rules from resident‑supplied containers to city‑provided automated carts under the new Cart2Curb contract. John Kuchinski, environmental services superintendent, summarized the change as removing language requiring residents to provide “suitable containers” because the contract will supply carts.
Several councilors raised concerns about a 50‑pound weight limit appearing in a definition of “suitable container.” “It seems like those containers can hold a lot more than 50 pounds,” Councilor Harriman said, and other members urged the city to confirm machine and truck limits with Casella. Kuchinski suggested staff could strike or adjust the number; Councilor Longchamps proposed increasing the limit. The council formally amended the draft ordinance, replacing 50 with 250 pounds and clarifying cart spacing (at least 2 feet) and related language. The amendment passed by roll call vote 7–0.
Councilors also discussed operational exceptions for roughly 100 narrow streets that will continue to be serviced manually because automated side‑load trucks cannot access them. Staff said the map on the solid waste web page will indicate which streets have alternate pickup arrangements. The ordinance was advanced on its first reading with the understanding Public Works will confirm technical lift and truck limits with Casella before second reading.
