Town officials face tough choices between cost savings and service quality in new waste contract
In a marathon Select Board meeting on October 7th, the board took up one of its most consequential decisions in recent years: the future of its trash and recycling services. With the current and favorable contract with Republic Services set to expire on July 4, 2026, the board reviewed proposals from five vendors, ultimately narrowing the discussion to two finalists—Republic Services and Waste Management.
The stakes are high. The town faces a potential 25–42% increase in its trash and recycling budget, depending on the chosen vendor and service options. The board and town staff have spent months evaluating proposals, attending workshops with MassDEP, and consulting with other municipalities to ensure Reading’s next contract reflects industry standards and community needs.
Key Issues: Weekly vs. Biweekly Recycling and Bulk Item Pickup
The most contentious issues centered on two service components: the frequency of recycling pickup and the handling of bulk items.
Waste Management’s proposal offered biweekly recycling at a base cost of approximately $1.98 million annually, with weekly recycling available for an additional $375,000. Republic Services, in a revised proposal submitted just days before the meeting, offered biweekly recycling with one free bulk item and one free metal item pickup per week—an option not included in Waste Management’s bid.
Select Board members expressed concern about the impact of biweekly recycling on larger families and multi-generational households.
We keep hitting larger families with restrictions,” said Co-Chair Melissa Murphy, advocating for weekly recycling and continued bulk pickup.
Co-Chair Chris Haley, who had personally met with Waste Management the day before the meeting, negotiated a reduction in bulk item fees and free bulk collection events, expressed frustration that Republic’s late-stage proposal may have undercut those efforts. While the move was seen as a win for residents, Haley noted that the timing of Republic’s proposal complicated the board’s decision-making process. The late-stage development prompted calls from several board members to delay the vote until all options, including weekly recycling pricing from Republic, could be fully evaluated.
Vendor Presentations and Public Feedback
Representatives from both Waste Management and Republic Services attended the meeting to answer questions. Waste Management touted its dedicated Reading customer service portal, live chat support, and AI-powered truck cameras to monitor contamination. Republic emphasized cost savings, existing infrastructure, and the inclusion of bulk item pickup in its revised proposal.
Public feedback, gathered through emails and previous meetings, heavily favored retaining weekly recycling and maintaining at least one free bulk item pickup per week. Residents cited concerns about affordability, convenience, and environmental impact.
Next Steps
After an hour of discussion, the board opted to delay a final vote until Republic Services could provide a cost estimate for weekly recycling. A special meeting is scheduled this Thursday, October 16th to review the updated figures and make a final decision.
Town Manager Matthew Kraunelis emphasized the urgency of the decision, noting that vendors need immediate notice to order trucks and avoid costly rental fees.
If we wait too long, we risk paying $30,000 per month in rental costs,” Kraunelis warned.
A Community at a Crossroads
The trash and recycling contract decision comes at a time when Reading is grappling with rising costs across departments, including public safety and infrastructure with a potential override vote as early as next year. The board’s deliberations reflect a broader tension between fiscal responsibility and maintaining the quality of life residents expect.
As the town awaits final numbers and prepares for the follow-up meeting this week, one thing is clear: the future of Reading’s waste management services will be shaped not just by cost, but by the values and voices of its community.
