I think we need to make smaller sizes available for those who really need them.”

Councilor Mary Parella

Bristol Town Councilor Mary Parella brought up an issue at the July 1 council meeting that, for some residents, remains an unresolved complication of the new automated trash collection system.

Whether due to need, physical challenges or simply the layout or location of their property, 65-gallon bins are too large and unwieldy for some.

“We had a lot of discussion about people being able to change them out,” Ms. Parella said. “We were told to be patient and wait it out.

“I think we need to make smaller sizes available for those who really need them.”

Cost is a factor. If the town were to obtain the smaller, 35-gallon bin, it would need to order at least 100 bins — not a small number if there is only minimal need. “If it was only a small dollar figure or a one-off, I would happily support this,” said Council Chairman Nate Calouro.

Constitution Street resident Judy Anderson is one resident who very much wants to downsize her bin. “There’s a very big difference between a 65-gallon bin and a 35-gallon bin,” she said, citing her struggles to find a spot for her bin on a property that does not have off-street parking. She mentioned friends with arthritis and other issues that have led them to hire people to pull their bins to the curb. “I think I’m going to have to do the same,” she said.

Ms. Anderson noted that Newport, with even more congested downtown properties, many without driveways, has offered the 35-gallon option to residents. She also offered to pay — something that may became part of any ultimate compromise, though not one that Ms. Parella is very comfortable with.

“We don’t really know how many people want to do this,” Ms. Parella said. Councilman Tim Sweeney agreed. “There’s not enough information about how widespread this is, and how much it will cost.”

The Council moved to refer the issue to Town Administrator Steve Contente and Public Works Director Kevin McBride, while setting up a means to survey residents to determine the demand for the 35-gallon bins.

“We’ll have more public dialogue, and then we will take the next steps,” said Mr. Calouro.

“There are more people (wanting smaller bins) than you might think,” said Ms. Anderson.