Somerville outlines new curbside rules: solid-waste bids due Mar. 11, no loose bags once new contractor starts

Somerville officials used the Feb. 17 meeting to walk residents through an upcoming shift in curbside trash collection tied to a scheduled solid-waste contract solicitation.

Mayor Brian Gallagher and borough staff said the borough has a bid out for solid-waste collection with proposals due March 11 and an anticipated contract start of about April 1. The ordinance the governing body adopted in 2024 will be enforced once the new contractor begins, requiring residents to place household trash in sturdy plastic containers designed for hydraulic-arm pickup rather than loose bags.

Borough staff explained that the ordinance limits curbside collection to two household containers per residence (containers may be up to 96 gallons) and recommends a 70-pound weight limit to keep a container manageable. If residents need additional capacity, the borough will continue a sticker program: one sticker covers a 65-gallon container and two stickers cover a 96-gallon container; additional containers would require sticker purchases.

Staff demonstrated sample containers at Borough Hall and said local retailers carry compliant cans. The borough also noted that transfer and disposal are specified in the bid: collected material is to be taken to Bridgewater Resources (BRI) transfer station; landfill costs are passed through to the borough as a contract expense.

Council members asked about Main Street and apartment collection logistics; staff said larger containers may be more appropriate for apartment or Main Street configurations and that the ordinance’s implementation will include education and outreach via social media and displays in Borough Hall.

No vote was required for the presentation; staff said they will continue outreach before the anticipated April transition.