Council OKs policy change so overage trash bags can be picked up at markets

The overage trash bags are used by residents when they can't fit all their household trash into a single bin that Waste Management picks up weekly. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - City residents won't have to get their overage trash bag stickers at the Tax Offices at the Community Center anymore after the City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to let the bags be picked up at any of the city's Market Basket or Hannaford stores.
The overage trash bag program began a few months ago but recently saw a large uptick in numbers. city Finance Director Mark Sullivan told the City Council Tuesday night.
The overage trash bags are used by residents when they can't fit all their household trash into a single bin that Waste Management picks up weekly.
"We've had a lot more overage trash sticker sales recently," Sullivan said. "The volume has increased dramatically."
The 30-gallon overage trash bags will sell at the two supermarket chains for $1.75 each and come in a package of five, according to Sullivan.
Previous to the change residents had to go to the tax offices to get the sticker and then buy the overage bags separately.