Carts have been ordered, letters have been sent to all trash haulers currently operating in Portsmouth, and stickers are available at the tax office.”

Town Administrator Richard Rainer, Jr.

PORTSMOUTH — The town’s new curbside collection program starts July 1. If you want in, it’s time to sign up.

“Today, the web page went live this morning and information material has been mailed to residents,” Town Administrator Richard Rainer, Jr. told the Town Council Monday night.

“Carts have been ordered, letters have been sent to all trash haulers currently operating in Portsmouth, and stickers are available at the tax office. We are encouraging eligible households to sign up for the program by March 28 at the tax collector’s office to take advantage of this service starting July 1.”

Portsmouth’s first municipal curbside collection program has drawn controversy since the town is contracting a single hauler: MTG Disposal, LLC (Mega). It is said to be the only municipal curbside program in the state that both operates through an enterprise fund and uses an exclusive hauler.

Residents who currently use a curbside collector other than Mega — Waste Management, for example — will have to go with Mega if they wish to continue with curbside service. The other option is to use the town’s transfer station on Hedly Street, which is also financed through an enterprise fund. The station will remain open as usual for those who prefer that option.

The town has set the annual sticker fee for the curbside program at $460, which is based on about 4,000 households the town is projecting will sign up.

The service includes the pickup of garbage, recyclables and yard waste. Bulky items will have a separate fee schedule, and appointments will be required. PAYT (pay-as-you-throw) bags are not required for this program, but recycling is.

New 95-gallon trash and recycling bins will be provided for each home. Trash carts will be dark gray with a dark-gray lid. Recycling carts will be dark gray with a blue lid.

Households with six or more units, as well as condominiums and mobile home parks, may not be eligible for curbside collection at this time, according to information mailed out by the town. 

Secure your spot by signing up before March 28 at the Tax Office at Town Hall, 2200 East Main Road. You can also find a form at www.portsmouthri.gov that you can fill out and return to the Tax Office or drop it in the tax box outside Town Hall.

For more information, visit www.portsmouthri.gov. You can also call 401/683-0362 or send an e-mail to curbside@portsmouthri.gov.