The timing was terrible for a new trash and recycling service that launched this winter. Luckily, officials said everything else about the program is going as planned.

“We started delivering new barrels in January,” said ABC Disposal Operations Director Jerry Dugan. “Then we had the worst February I’ve experienced in my entire career.”

Last year, the town approved a contract with the New Bedford-based waste company. The agreement brought new trucks with automated arms to dispose of trash and recyclables to Rochester. The program also delivered two new wheeled carts, one for recycling and one for trash, to each residence.

On Monday night, Dugan updated Selectmen on the program that prompted about 50 issues that needed resolving.

Dugan said he addressed residential customers concerns individually.

“Overall, I think it was pretty successful going into a winter as bad as the one we had,” Dugan said.

Dugan said high snow drifts kept the new trucks off the road.

“We made an effort to not drive with all the snow,” Dugan said. “Instead, old style trucks were sent out and crews did a lot by hand.”

He explained that residents were guaranteed to have trash removed using that method. The new trucks are now ready to roll.

Dugan said a handful of people requested smaller barrels for recycling, which the company delivered. He told Selectmen that the program should work smoothly moving forward.

“The initial shock is behind us,” Dugan said.

Town Administrator Mike McCue thanked Dugan on behalf of the town.

“Jerry and his people have been extremely responsive and extremely accommodating to make this transition as seamless as possible,” McCue said. “It was a major change for the residents.”

Anyone with questions or concerns regarding the new program should call Town Hall at 508-763-3871.