Four companies are vying for the town's rubbish and recycling contract.

Officials from Patriot Disposal, Mega Disposal, M&M Disposal and Waste Management each submitted bids to handle the refuse and recycling collection in Barrington. The bids ranged from a low of $924,900 from Patriot Disposal, which is based in Johnston, to a high bid of $1,186, 723 from Waste Management, which is a large company that has some offices in Rhode Island.

Currently, the town has a contract with Mega Disposal, which is headquartered in Seekonk, Mass. The town has worked with Mega ever since officials in Barrington privatized refuse and recycling collection. Previously the town's department of public works handled the duties.

Barrington Town Manager Jim Cunha said he has heard from a number of residents who have been pleased with the service provided by Mega Disposal.

"We've been happy with them," he added.

Mega officials submitted the second lowest bid — $943,042. That figure is just $18,142 more than the low bid, and about $5,000 more than the manager had included in the proposed budget. M&M Disposal officials submitted a bid of $1,124,799.

The contract calls for a one-year deal and four annual extensions.

"Right now we're evaluating the bidders," said Mr. Cunha, adding that Barrington DPW Director Alan Corvi is assisting the evaluation of the bidding companies. "We're doing our due diligence."

The review process includes Barrington officials checking with communities currently serviced by the companies. For Patriot Disposal, that means calls to officials in Johnson and Tiverton. 

The bid specifics call for the same level of services that are included in the current contract — among the specifics are weekly collection of trash and recycling, and yard waste collection for part of the year.

The town's current contract with Mega calls for $924,013 this year. 

Mr. Cunha said he expects the town will offer its bid recommendation to the Barrington Town Council at its May meeting. Council members are then expected to vote on the recommendation.

Bid details

• Patriot Disposal — $924,900

• Mega Disposal — $943,042

• M&M Disposal — $1,124,799

• Waste Management — $1,186,723