To the editor:

Your article “Town awards its first curbside collection contract” on May 16 stated that residents with private services are paying $800 to $900 annually for private curbside pickup.

My contract with Waste Management is $420 per year for weekly trash and recycling pickup. This is my second year, and the price only increased $3 per month when I renewed, so I don’t consider it a “teaser” price. 

I signed up when Portsmouth transfer station stickers were set to expire in 2023. At that time of year, some services likely lower their rates to encourage Portsmouth residents to sign up.

I am paying less than what the town is proposing, and I don’t have to buy PAYT bags. If other residents are in similar situations (I’ve heard some people are paying less than me) it’s going to be difficult for the town to get people to sign up for their service.

Has there been any discussion of a survey to determine how much interest there is in the town’s service at the contract rate? Also, has the town negotiated a cap on yearly increases?

Lynn Pieczarka

1239 Anthony Road

Portsmouth