📰BIDDEFORD | 2 Bag Limit Takes Effect in 30 Days | Passed Unanimously
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April 22, 2026, It's official, starting 30 days from today, Biddeford residents will be limited to 2 orange city overflow trash bags per weekly pickup, per residence (with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas).
At last night’s City Council meeting, councilors voted unanimously to approve the proposed updated language change in the City’s Household Waste Ordinance, as well as the implementation of a "2 bag overflow limit per week".
We first reported on this back in March when the proposal was brought to City Council by Public Works Director Jeff Demers. The story intially grabbed the attention of residents not just becuase of the 2 bag limit, but also a mention of requiring residents to "stack" all overflow bags directly on top of their city issued green trash cans - a request that seemed to have illicited an array of emotions from community members.
The ordinance had its first reading before Council on March 17, 2026 where additional amendments were made to the proposed language.
At the Council meeting held on April 7, 2026, during the Second Reading, the ordinance was tabled and sent to the City’s Policy Committee for further review.
The Policy Committee then met on April 13, 2026 and made further recommended language changes which where presented before the Council for a Second Reading and approval last night.
According to Director Demers, "over the past several years, the number of overflow bags placed curbside has steadily increased. Many residents use weekly collection as an opportunity for, Basement and cellar clean-outs, Moving-related disposal, and Disposal of accumulated bulk materials... This trend increases tipping costs and places additional strain on equipment and staffing."
Demers writes, "Residents currently have access to appropriate disposal options through the Biddeford Public Works Department for household goods and bulk items. That service is intended for larger disposal needs and helps control curbside collection costs."
According to Director Demers, the updated language and 2 bag limit will positively financially Impact the city by "reducing unnecessary tipping fees, maintaining fairness among ratepayers, improve operational efficiency, and preserve equipment longevity."
Residents can expect to recieve notices from Public Works in the upcoming weeks addressing the new changes.
For your convenience, we have included the City’s current PAYT guidelines below:
Guidelines
• The City’s PAYT bags are sold in the local stores listed below, as well as at the Biddeford Recycling Center.
• Two sizes of bags are available. The large ones are a 30 gallon size and will hold approximately 35 pounds. The small ones are a 15 gallon size and will hold approximately 25 pounds.
• The large bags cost $2.25 per bag and are available for purchase in packages of 5 bags each. A package will cost $11.25.
• The small bags cost $1.75 per bag and are available for purchase in packages of 10 bags each. A package will cost $17.50.
• Do not use orange PAYT bags for trash that goes into the green trash container.
• Do not place your PAYT Bag on top of your green trash can. 《EASTER EGG》
• You can place the orange PAYT bags into an old trash can and place it out by the road for collection
To learn more about Biddeford's current trash and recycling collection, visit https://www.biddefordmaine.org/2172/Trash-and-Recycling-Collection
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