Barrington residents should expect some changes with their trash pickup in the near future.

On Wednesday, April 1, Barrington Town Manager Jim Cunha announced that the contractor responsible for picking up trash, recycling and yard waste has encountered staffing issues and will be cutting back on its services.

MEGA officials told the town that because of illnesses and quarantine requirements associated with the coronavirus, the contractor has limited staffing.

MEGA will continue to pick up trash and recycling from residents weekly, but the yard waste program which started on Monday, March 30, will be suspended after Friday, April 3 pickups.

"The town’s priority is the continuation of weekly rubbish and recycling collection while keeping our residents and the MEGA employees safe," Mr. Cunha said in a press release.

MEGA will also cut back on what it picks up. Collection is limited to trash that is in bags or in a barrel.

"Bulk collection, such as furniture and other household items will not be collected and should not be placed at the curb until further notice," Mr. Cunha said.

MEGA will continue to collect recycling weekly.

Mr. Cunha said residents are still welcome to bring their recyclables and yard waste to the recycling center on Upland Way. The center is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 8 a.m. to noon.

Mr. Cunha said he is hoping that the curbside yard waste pickup with resume in early May. Until then, he is asking residents to refrain from placing yard waste on their curbs until the service resumes.