City Council receives update on transition to curbside toter collection

posted on 9/10/2026

Last week, the City Council received an update on the city’s transition to the toter collection system for curbside trash and recycling during its Sept. 2, 2026 workshop session. The city will transition from its current pay-as-you-throw trash bags to a curbside toter collection system on July 1, 2027.

Watch the workshop session.

Solid Waste Advisory Committee Chair David Dinzeo gave a brief presentation to the City Council on SWAC’s recommended ordinance changes to accompany the toter transition. Dinzeo, Community Services Director John Storer, and Waste Management representative Peter Lachapelle then answered questions from the Council.

Dinzeo explained that curbside collection will occur on public streets and approved private streets. Private streets can petition for curbside collection, which includes indemnifying the city and the contractor, said City Manager J. Michael Joyal, Jr. The contractor also has to evaluate whether it can safely operate and turn around its vehicles on these private drives.

Those in the collection area will receive a 64-gallon wheeled toter. After three months, customers would have the option to request a larger or smaller toter.

SWAC recommends that collection be residential for properties with three or fewer housing units, which is similar to other communities, Dinzeo said. Properties with four or more housing units would be considered businesses by ordinance. SWAC also recommends that downtown businesses not be eligible for collection. Bulky waste would be scheduled through Waste Management rather than the city, as it is currently. The costs of curbside collection, solid waste tipping fees, and recycling processing will be paid from the city’s general fund.

The City Council is expected to hold a first reading of amendments to the Waste Management ordinance, Chapter 145, at its Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2026 meeting, with a public hearing and a potential vote at its Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026 meeting.

SWAC is planning an education campaign to help alert residents of the upcoming changes.