New Trash Regulations Go Into Effect This Week

When you take out your trash Monday night or early Tuesday morning, you’ll want to count your barrels.

North Reading is reducing the number of 35-gallon barrels or bags to two as of July 1. The limit was four bags until a year ago when it was reduced to three.

The limitation is a way for the town to reduce the amount of trash – and the disposal costs – while increasing recycling.

According to the town Recycling Committee, less trash meant North Reading spent less on tipping fees for the second half of 2013. After the town put in the three 35-gallon trash barrels per household last July, the town saved $52,706 over the final six months and recycling increased to nearly 23%.

The Board of Selectmen has heard complaints from concerned residents, who worry that they’ll have too much trash.

The Department of Public Works said there will be a common sense approach in the collection. There shouldn’t be a problem as long as a residence doesn’t consistently put out more than two 35-gallon barrels.