PORTSMOUTH — A local resident is asking the council to eliminate a rule prohibiting the use of tarps to unload yard debris at the transfer station on Hedly Street.

Under current rules, yard waste must be in paper bags or transported in containers no greater than 64 gallons in volume when brought to the transfer station.

On Monday night, Jeanne Grimes of Lambie Circle told the council that banning plastic or cloth tarps makes it harder for people who have physical limitations, and could actually lead to injuries.

“Using barrels or bags makes the cleaning up of small yard waste impossible or extremely difficult and time-consuming for people with any restrictions such as back, knee and hip issues,” Ms. Grimes said. “One using a tarp can rake the pre-cut (to required length) branches and leaves onto the tarp as opposed to the laborious bending it takes to load yard waste into barrels or bags.”

Tarps can be handled by one person by putting the neck over the gate and untying it to let the debris slip out, she said. A tarp can also be placed under the gate in the same manner, she said.

They can also be tied at the ends but left open in the middle for inspection, she said.

Council member Dave Gleason, who put the matter on the agenda, complimented Recycling Coordinator Raymond Antaya and the people who staff the transfer station. “Anybody’s who’s been to the transfer station since we’ve gone to pay-as-you-throw will see a clean and orderly operation,” he said.

However, Mr. Gleason said the town should consider modifying some rules at the station for the convenience of residents and to clear up any confusion. Rules regarding the disposal of box spring mattresses, tires, and ceramics and clay pots, for example, need to be looked into further, he said.

Council member Paul Kesson said he didn’t support the use of tarps at the station, adding he thought the town went to 64-gallon containers to stop abuse from commercial landscapers. A transfer station worker also told the council that tarps can often cause safety issues, and they make more of a mess than barrels.

The council voted unanimously to direct the Solid Waste and Recycling Committee, Mr. Antaya, transfer station workers and other interested parties to consider modifying the rules regarding tarps, to look into the other recommendations Mr. Gleason made, and bring a recommendation back to the council.