What is the Town's plan for the Waste Management contract that expires at the end of 2026? (12/2/2025)

At Town meeting in 2018, voters ratified a multi-year contract with Waste Management through December 31, 2026 (2018 Barrington Executed TS Agreement). This has been a great contract for the Town and is saving the Town a significant amount of money compared to other municipalities.

In 2022, the Select Board pursued an extension to the contract and learned that Waste Management would be looking for a significant increase in rates. The Select Board opted to remain in the existing contract and take steps to prepare for a spike in costs starting in 2027. It was important to the Select Board that neither property taxes or user fees be increased dramatically in one year. Instead, they proposed gradual increases which would increase user fees to appropriate levels by the end of the existing contract. Details about the Waste Management contract and process to extend or renew can be found here: www.barrington.nh.gov/town-administrator/pages/waste-management-contract.

The Select Board established an advisory committee, the Transfer Station and Recycling Center Review Committee to involve residents in teh decision-making process. This group has been instrumental in recommending appropriate fee increases and preparing/reviewing the Request for Proposals. Visit their committee page to review membership and meeting minutes.

Beginning in 2024, the Select Board started gradually increasing user fees (trash bag prices and other disposal fees). The target was approximately 20% per year to reach the anticipated costs for 2027. Also in 2024, residents approved the creation of a Transfer Station and Recycling Center Revolving Fund. The funds set aside in the revolving fund will give the Town options for the expiration of the Waste Management contract. One planned use would be to augment user fee revenue to help keep the property tax impact of the facility stable. Another option would be to use the funds to pursue alternative transportation options, such as buying a roll off truck. This plan was unanimously recommended by the Advisory Budget Committee and Transfer Station and Recycling Center Review Committee and approved by voters at Town Meeting in 2024.

In 2025, the Transfer Station and Recycling Center Review Committee prepared a Request for Proposals, asking service providers for a variety of waste collection and disposal services. The Town received one response from Waste Management. The Town is negotiating specific contract terms, but the proposal calls for a 10% increase in tipping fees and a 65% increase in hauling fees starting in 2027. The tipping fees will be pursuant to the Lamprey Regional Cooperative Waste District contract (Barrington remains a member).

The Transfer Station and Recycling Center Review Committee evaluated the anticipated costs and recommended the appropriate fee increases to cover the costs associated with a new contract. The Select Board approved the recommended fee increases on December 1, 2025 to take effect on January 1, 2026.