Rochester Selectmen and other town officials have fielded calls from many residents who want more information on the new trash and recycling carts that recently arrived at their homes.

ABC Disposal’s new trucks, which operate on natural gas rather than diesel, have an automated arm to pick up the new 65-gallon trash carts and 95-gallon recycling carts.

The new program begins Feb. 6.

In addition to a flyer that came with the carts, Town Administrator Michael McCue answered some questions that have come up at the Selectmen’s Thursday night meeting.

McCue said those wanting additional carts may be provided one on a “case by case basis” depending on the resident’s circumstances.

“What we’ve asked people to do is to allow the system to be in place for a little while,” said Town Counsel Blair Bailey.

Residents may also purchase an additional trash cart for $65.

Those with the occasional extra bag of trash can place it beside the cart for pickup.

A smaller 65-gallon recycling cart can also be exchanged for the 95-gallon cart, if a resident has trouble moving the larger one.

“Roads that are not accessible by ABC trucks and have in the past placed trash and recycling collectively at the end of these roads may continue to do so,” said McCue.

Accessories are available to aid in moving the new bins. The information is available on the town’s website.

Some have asked why their trash now needs to be bagged. McCue said as the automatic arm dumps trash in the trucks, loose trash can fly onto the roadside. Lose trash also cakes in the truck over time, he explained.

Recyclables, on the other hand, should be kept loose in the container. Extra recyclables can be placed beside the recycling carts or placed in the old blue recycling bins. Additional carts will be provided to those who consistently have more recycling.

McCue noted that plastic shopping bags should not be placed in recycling carts.

He also said there will be no fines for those who do not follow ABC’s rules, contrary to what the company’s flyer says.

“ABC is not in a position where they can assess fines,” McCue said.

It would be the responsibility of the town to fine residents.

“Unless there is some sort of extreme circumstance, we’re not going to send the rubbish police out to get them,” said McCue.

Selectman Naida Parker encouraged residents to recycle for a number of reasons.

“The state is moving closer and closer to it being mandated,” she said. “It’s our environment we’re trying to protect and serve.”

Blair added that more recycling means sending less trash to the SEMASS trash facility, which results in more money for the town.

SEMASS, located in Rochester, deducts the cost of garbage from its payment to the town.

“The more this town can recycle, the bigger that check is, “ said Blair. “That’s the bottom line.”

Residents with further questions should contact ABC Disposal at 508-999-2619.