Portsmouth Considering Carry In, Carry Out Trash Ordinance

PORTSMOUTH, RI — Portsmouth's beaches and public areas could look a little different, starting next summer. The Town Council is set to discuss a proposed ordinance next week that, if approved, would implement a carry in-carry out policy for the town, removing public trash barrels at public areas, including beaches.

Brian Woodhead, the director of the town's Public Works Department, said in a letter to the council that a pilot program tested over the summer went well. If the barrels were removed, Woodhead said, the town would save more than $2,800 annually.

"We have inventoried the number of barrels and the location for your consideration of a carry-in, carry-out policies for all town properties except Sandy Point Beach during the beach season," the letter reads in part.

According to Woodhead, there are currently 27 trash barrels in 16 public locations throughout Portsmouth. These barrels are emptied twice per week he said, creating an average of 41 tons of trash per year. In all, that works out to an average of $2,896.24 in hauling an tipping charges per year, Woodhead concluded.