LtE: Clarifying the New Trash Contract
Updated after publishing on October 20, 2025.
To the editor:
I’m writing to help clarify the new trash contract, as there’s been a lot of mixed information and understandable questions circulating in the community. I hope this summary helps provide a clearer picture of what’s changing—and what’s staying the same.
The Select Board recently voted 4–0 in favor of a new five-year contract with Republic Services, totaling approximately $12.6 million. There is a lot to unpack, but here are the key points:
Weekly trash and recycling pickup will continue
Beginning in July 2026, there will be fees for certain large items:
$30 for each burnable bulky item
$40 for each small metal item
At the meeting, the Select Board negotiated these fees down from $75 and $80, respectively. They may increase by no more than 5% annually—for example, to $31.50 in 2027 and $33 in 2028 for burnable items.
Item size limits will apply. If an item exceeds the defined size, it won’t be collected, and an additional charge may apply.
In 2027, the Town expects to transition to biweekly recycling. A second recycling barrel will be provided at no cost (upon request). Weekly trash pickup will continue, but leasing an additional trash barrel will cost $200 beginning in July 2026.
Spring and Fall DPW Bulk Drop-off Events. To ease the transition, the Department of Public Works (DPW) will offer two free bulky item drop-off events per year, likely in the spring and fall.
Bulky Item Fees Begin in 2026
Starting July 2026, fees will apply for certain large items:$30 for each burnable bulky item (e.g., wooden chairs, futon mattresses)
$40 for each small metal item (e.g., grills not including propane tanks, headboards, bed frames, ladders, lamps). Small metal items that can fit in the trash barrel (e.g., empty paint cans and wire hangers) may go out with the regular trash at no additional charge
Size Limits Apply
Items must fall within defined size limits—otherwise, Republic will not collect them, and an additional charge may apply. Examples of items that are too large to be considered as either burnable bulky or small metal items are snowblowers, lawnmowers, lawn furniture, and sofa beds. The fee for those large bulk items through Republic is $80 per item.
What qualifies as a “burnable bulky item” or “small metal item”?
Burnable bulky items are large, non-metal objects that can be incinerated—such as wooden chairs (without metal parts), small futon mattresses, or similar furniture.
Small metal items include things like empty paint cans, wire hangers, and metal pots and pans.
While these changes won’t take effect until July 2026, being aware of them now can help residents plan ahead.
It’s also worth noting that the alternative to these item-based fees would have been to include the cost in the Town’s overall budget—an increase of approximately $1.4 million over five years. That likely would have led to higher taxes. With financial pressures growing, the Town is moving toward more fee-based services as a way to keep things sustainable.
That said, there are still ways to navigate these changes without incurring extra costs. In addition to the two DPW drop-off events mentioned above, several nonprofit organizations—such as Mission of Deeds—offer free pickup of gently used furniture and household items, which may be a helpful option for many households.
I hope this overview is helpful as we prepare for the upcoming changes. The Reading Observer has provided excellent coverage of this issue, and I encourage readers to look out for future articles on the topic. Please feel free to share with neighbors who may have questions.
Yours in community,
Ron Powell
South Street
