Gomes Files Motion to Resolve New Bedford Recycling Dispute

NEW BEDFORD — City Councillor-at-Large Brian Gomes filed a motion on Monday morning to help resolve the dispute between the City of New Bedford and ABC Disposal Service.

In the motion, to be brought up at Thursday night's council meeting, Gomes asks that all parties together, including the mayor's office, city solicitor, and council members to work on a solution to resolve the issue.

Gomes told WBSM's Barry Richard that he would like to see New Bedford-based vendor ABC continue to be the company that collects trash and recyclables in the city. He added that he believes money can be directed into paying the increase that ABC Disposal has told the city it needs in order to continue under the current contract. Gomes said that although he would like to see the city hire more police officers and repair some additional streets, that perhaps this issue is a bigger priority at this time.

Due to increased fees ABC has incurred regarding disposal of recycled materials, the company wants one-half-million-dollars or so from the city. So far, Mayor Jon Mitchell has refused, saying that he ABC has a current contract with the city, and he has a responsibility to the taxpayers.

After ABC began refusing many recycle bins in the city last week, Mayor Mitchell said the company is now in violation of the contract, and is in jeopardy of having it terminated by the city.