Newton Bulk Item Pick Up Cost Going Up: Mayor Fuller

NEWTON, MA — Newton mayor Ruthanne Fuller released information on waste disposal and recycling costs in the wake of increasing related costs in Massachusetts. She said in an email trash and recycling that fits in a cart will continue to be a city service paid by property taxes.

"I know it hurts our wallets to start paying a fee for bulky item pickup and the change in the fee structure for the white goods, televisions and computer monitors may make it more costly for us. It helps a bit to know that our fees remain much lower than those charged by private haulers," Fuller said in the email.

Bulk items, like couches, mattresses, wooden chairs and tables and more, will come with a charge to pick up in six weeks, Fuller said. The cost for these items will be $20 starting Feb. 1.

The fee structure is changing for large metal recyclables called "white goods," like refrigerators, washing machines and more. They will still be picked up at the curb, but will cost $25 instead of $20. Payment can be made through the Newton bill paying service.

This cost covers transportation from the curb to the Resource Recovery Center. Residents can still drop off items there for free. The center is at 115 Rumford Ave.

Items like TV and computer monitors will cost $25 to dispose of, whether it's picked up at the curb or dropped off at the Rumford station. Use the Newton bill paying service for these items.

"Even with these revenues, the cost to the City of Newton to continue our trash and recycling services will go up by approximately $1.1 million next year, an increase of 17.5%. Believe it or not, this is a less steep increase than some other communities are facing," Fuller said in the email. "The recent contract negotiation in the Town of Milton, for example, yielded a 32% year-over-year increase."

Until Feb. 1, bulky waste item pickup will be free, using the 311 service, the Recycle Right Newton app or calling Newton Customer Service, Fuller said, adding there's a limit of five per household per week.

The mayor encourages residents to sign up for the curbside composting service.

Overflow trash around the holidays can be put at the curb in the orange overflow bags, which are available at many Newton retailers.