Major changes include bi-weekly recycling, bulk item fees, and tech upgrades
In a detailed presentation at last Tuesday’s Select Board meeting, town officials outlined a proposed overhaul of Reading’s trash and recycling services. The town is preparing to enter a new five-year contract with Waste Management, replacing its long-standing agreement with JRM (now Republic Services), which expired after a decade.
The update, presented by Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman and DPW Director Chris Cole, follows a 14-month procurement process involving technical evaluations, pricing comparisons, and community engagement.
Bi-Weekly Recycling: A Cost-Saving Shift
One of the most significant changes is the move from weekly to bi-weekly recycling pickup. This shift is expected to save the town approximately $400,000 annually, a key factor in the decision to adopt the new contract. Officials emphasized that the larger recycling bins distributed earlier this year were designed to accommodate this change.
Residents concerned about capacity can request a second recycling cart at no cost. The town has already budgeted for additional bins and maintains a stockpile to meet demand.
Contract Cost & Budget Impact
The proposed contract represents a 25% increase over the current solid waste budget. Town Manager Matt Kraunelis noted that while the increase is substantial, it is in line with market trends and lower than some initial projections. The town had anticipated a 20% increase, but the final figure came in slightly higher.
The contract includes a 5% annual escalation, meaning costs will rise incrementally each year. Despite the increase, Waste Management’s proposal was the lowest among the five vendors who submitted bids, and it scored highest in technical evaluations.
Technology Enhancements for Accountability
Waste Management’s proposal includes several technology upgrades aimed at improving service quality and transparency:
- Truck-mounted cameras to verify bin placement and monitor contamination.
- A mobile app for residents to report missed pickups, track schedules, and receive alerts.
- Integration with Reading’s existing service request system (SeeClickFix).
These features are expected to reduce service complaints and improve communication between residents and the hauler.
Bulk Item Collection: New Fees Raise Concerns
Under the new contract, residents will be responsible for paying directly for all bulk item pickups, including furniture, appliances, and other large items. The estimated cost for a single chair pickup is $35, prompting concern from several Select Board members. Under the prior contract, residents could have one bulk item picked up weekly at no cost.
Board member Karen Herrick questioned whether the town could subsidize bulk collection through a sticker system, similar to neighboring communities. “A $2 sticker is a lot more manageable than $35 for a chair,” she said.
Officials acknowledged the concern and said they would explore options, but noted that any subsidy would require additional funding beyond the current budget.
Yard Waste & Rigid Plastics
Yard waste collection will continue as before, with six scheduled pickups annually. The town will also maintain its twice-yearly rigid plastic drop-off events, though disposal costs will now be passed on to the town based on market rates.
Previously, Reading did not pay for recycling disposal. Under the new contract, the town will incur costs based on the market value of materials, a shift that reflects broader industry trends.
Recycling Audit: Reading Scores High
A recent recycling audit conducted by the town showed that Reading residents are doing an excellent job separating recyclables. The audit, which involved manually inspecting the contents of recycling trucks, revealed a high percentage of valuable materials like paper and cardboard.
This strong performance helped Reading secure better pricing under the “blended value” model, which considers both the quality and market value of recyclables.
Electric Trucks? Not Yet
Board member Carlo Bacci asked whether Waste Management was considering electric trucks. Cole responded that while the company is testing electric vehicles in warmer climates, battery limitations and cold weather performance make them impractical for New England routes at this time.
Next Steps
The Select Board is expected to vote on the contract at its October 7 meeting. In the meantime, officials encouraged residents to review the proposal and provide feedback.
This is a big change,” said Town Manager Kraunelis. “But it’s one we’ve been preparing for, and we believe it positions Reading for long-term sustainability and service improvements.”
1 – We fully agree with your biweekly recycle suggestion.
2 – Would you please look into providing a trash pick up
schedule that can assist people in anticipating when
their trash will be picked up? Our point is that, if and
when rain/snow is expected, the bin would NOT be
placed out side until the following morning unless
an early pickup is expected.
Thank you, Fred Langeleh