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Dartmouth to raise bag fees, solid‑waste and utility rates after DPW review
Summary
DPW reported a $140 annual solid-waste fee, increases to bag-roll prices (small $6, large $12) and proposed water (7.5%) and sewer (16% for some tiers) rate increases; officials cited landfill costs, purchased water from New Bedford and sludge disposal as drivers.
The Board of Public Works and Select Board heard a detailed review of Dartmouth’s utility and solid-waste rates during a joint session Monday, with DPW staff saying changes were needed to cover rising disposal, hauling and operating costs.
Tim Barber, Dartmouth’s director of public works, said the solid-waste annual residential fee is set at $140 and that bag prices were increased this year: "A roll of small bags is $6" and "a roll of large bags is $12," reflecting the first adjustment since 2008. Barber said the fee includes curbside collection, every-other-week recycling pickup and transfer-station access (municipal orange-bagged waste incurs no additional tipping fees). He also summarized that DPW purchased water from New Bedford at $5.84 per 100 cubic feet and explained the DPW board had approved a 7.5% water-rate increase and a 16% sewer-rate increase in some tiers. The town’s residential sewer minimum will move from $25.37 to $29.43, and first-tier sewer charges increase in the staff presentation.
Select Board members asked officials to prepare clearer public communications and comparisons to private haulers; DPW staff said they will produce side-by-side cost comparisons and outreach materials. Officials emphasized efforts to smooth future rate increases and build contingencies for unpredictable costs such as sludge disposal.
