Winter Storm Collection Schedule Changes
Due to the anticipated winter storm, there will be no curbside collections on Monday, February 23rd. All curbside collections will be delayed by one day.
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Flooding public workshop
On February 25, 2026, at 6:30pm in Bristol's City Council Chambers, we're hosting a public workshop to map a local flooding concerns and talk about the flood recovery resources. The findings of this workshop will help shape the City's response to this persistent challenge.
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2026 Yard Waste Season
The 2026 Yard Waste Season will begin April 6th and run through December 4th. Please fill out the online application and make your payment. New service $140, renewals $90. More information: https://ct-bristol2.civicplus.com/240/Yard-Waste
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Additional Rubbish Barrel Renewals
Additional Rubbish Barrels
The City of Bristol provides each residential property (1-5 unit buildings) with one rubbish barrel and one recycle barrel per unit. For example, two-family homes have two rubbish barrels, five-unit homes have five rubbish barrels. Any additional rubbish barrels are $155.00 per barrel for the calendar year. Unfortunately, this fee is not pro-rated for late payments, so to get the most of the service, pay as soon as you can. The collection period is January 1st (or date of payment) through December 31st. Your additional rubbish barrel will be emptied weekly, on your regular rubbish day.
2026 ADDITIONAL RUBBISH BARREL SUBSCRIPTION FORM
*This form can be used for NEW service, RENEWAL, REPLACEMENT STICKERS, and REPLACEMENT BARRELS
All online payments and in-office credit/debit cards are subject to a convenience fee, typically 2.95% of the transaction fee.
Additional Rubbish Barrel Renewals/New Customers: Beginning January 1st, a current-year sticker must be applied to your additional rubbish barrel for continued service. For your convenience you may renew your additional rubbish barrel here. The subscription form must be filled out with all methods of payment.
Payments: When you submit the subscription form, you will be automatically re-directed to Invoice Cloud, our online payment processing company, to make your online payment (if you choose to pay by mail or in office, you can exit this screen). Please select Additional Rubbish Barrel (New or Renew). Your service will be activated once BOTH your subscription form and payment are received. If paying by mail, please mail your check (payable to The City of Bristol) to the Public Works Department 111 North Main Street Bristol, CT 06010. You may also pay for your service in person (111 North Main Street, Public Works Department). If paying by mail or online, we will mail your sticker. If paying in office, you will receive the sticker immediately. An online subscription form must accompany all payments and must be filled out beforehand if you pay in office.
If you purchase a renewal sticker and lose it, a replacement sticker is $10.00. You must fill out the online form.
If you are not interested in renewing your additional rubbish barrel, please call our office at 860-584-6125 so we can retrieve it.
The Bristol Public Works Department would like to remind you that the most efficient way to reduce your household rubbish is by recycling more. Check out our recycle guide and How Do I Dispose Of… features on our website to learn about acceptable recyclable materials.
Lastly, you may download the Recycle Coach app on your smart device to sign up for eReminders and to be notified of service schedule changes.
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2026 RECYCLE CALENDARS
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Phishing Email Alert – Planning & Zoning Department
⚠️ Phishing Email Alert – Planning & Zoning Department
The City of Bristol Planning and Zoning Department has identified fraudulent phishing emails impersonating City staff. These messages are often sent from email addresses that closely resemble official City domains and may include:
- Fake invoices
- Requests for payment
- References to legitimate-sounding applications
🔒 Please be aware: these are scams.Official City email addresses always end in @bristolct.gov.
Important Facts:
- We do not request payment after a decision has been made.
- We never send invoices by email for post-decision payments.
- Payments are only collected at the time of application submission.
If you receive a suspicious email:
- Do not reply.
- Do not click links.
- Do not open attachments.
- Contact our office directly to confirm its legitimacy: 📞 860-584-6225
We apologize for any inconvenience and urge all applicants and residents to stay alert. Your cybersecurity is important to us.
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FEMA Flood Plan/Floodway Proposed Map Revisions
FEMA Flood Plan/Floodway Proposed Map Revisions
The Department of Public Works has received the following notice from the Department of Homeland Security – Federal Emergency Management Agency of proposed revisions to city flood insurance rate maps (FIRM) and flood insurance study (FIS) reports.
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations for Hartford County, Connecticut (All Jurisdictions)
The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued a preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report, reflecting proposed flood hazard determinations within Hartford County, Connecticut (All Jurisdictions). These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. Technical information or comments are solicited on the proposed flood hazard determinations shown on the preliminary FIRM and/or FIS report for Hartford County, Connecticut (All Jurisdictions). These flood hazard determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that your community is required to either adopt or show evidence of being already in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. However, before these determinations are effective for floodplain management purposes, you will be provided an opportunity to appeal the proposed information. For information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, as well as a complete listing of the communities affected and the locations where copies of the FIRM are available for review, please visit FEMA’s website at http://www.floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/BFE_Status/bfe_main.asp or call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627)
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Notice of Permit Application
NOTICE: The City of Bristol of 111 N. Main St Bristol, CT 06010 has submitted an application for modification of an RCRA Hazardous Waste Land Disposal Facility also known as the Bristol Transfer Station located at 685 Lake Avenue Bristol, CT 06010
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The City of Bristol is Honored with Sustainable CT Gold Certification
The Mayor’s Office is pleased to announce that the City of Bristol is among a select group of Connecticut municipalities to be recognized this year for achieving Sustainable CT Gold certification.
Sustainable CT, a statewide initiative that inspires and supports communities in becoming more efficient, resilient, and inclusive, announced this year’s list of certified communities.
Bristol met high standards in a broad range of sustainability accomplishments to qualify for the prestigious Gold-level certification.
“I commend City staff, elected officials, and Bristol residents for all their efforts in achieving Gold Certification in the Sustainable CT Program. The initiatives taking place here in Bristol are important as the City continues to build connection, social equity, and long-term resilience to provide our citizens and businesses with tools to improve opportunities for all,” stated City of Bristol Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano.
In its application for Sustainable CT certification, the City demonstrated significant achievements in twelve sustainable impact areas – 775 total points in 40 of 77 total possible categories – ranging from inclusive community building, thriving local economies, and vibrant arts and culture to clean transportation and diverse housing. Bristol successfully completed actions including:
- Implementation of Complete Streets Projects (Memorial Boulevard bike lanes & West Street traffic calming)
- Installation of bilingual signage at City parks & facilities
- The creation of an ADA restroom structure/parking lot at the Pine Lake Challenge Course
- Energy scoping audits of City & Board of Education Buildings
- Improvements to historical assets (Main Library & 51 High Street)
- Increased use of renewable energy at City and Board of Education buildings
- Partnering with youth on sustainable initiatives/projects
- Increasing open space in the City: Pigeon Hill Preserve
- Equity Statement adoption in partnership with the Board of Education
To achieve Gold certification, the City of Bristol was also required to achieve Climate Leader Designation, completing a specifically identified suite of actions intended to control and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change.
“It was honor and privilege to serve as the Sustainable CT Team Leader for the City of Bristol. The opportunity to share this success with the residents of the City of Bristol should not go unheralded. City staff work on a daily basis to make Bristol a stronger and more resilient community for all that live within its borders. Bristol serves as an example and leader to other communities in Connecticut and the future caretakers of the City and State. The work conducted today bears the fruits of tomorrow for the next generation,” stated David Oakes, Public Works Facilities & Energy Manager for the City of Bristol.
“Bristol’s Energy Commission is excited and proud to hear of this year’s dual achievements of Gold Level Certification and Climate Leadership designation in the statewide Sustainable CT challenge! Many City personnel from a wide array of departments put in a great effort to attain these clean energy and other sustainability-related awards,” stated Sean Dunn, Chair of the Bristol Energy Commission. “Bristol has a long record of participating in this challenge with ever increasing success on our way to the highest attainable level of certification! These awards are shared with all of Bristol’s residents, businesses, and the municipal departments who together endeavor to advance clean energy and conservation solutions while lowering overall costs.”
“Congratulations to our Gold certified communities,” said Jessica LeClair, executive director of Sustainable CT. “We are inspired by the leadership and commitment of these communities. From elected officials and town staff to resident volunteers, these certified towns are improving opportunities and the quality of life for all.”
The program includes actions that help towns and cities build community connection, social equity, and long-term resilience. It includes an action roadmap and support tools that are especially relevant as towns seek practices and resources to promote racial justice and respond to the on-going challenges of climate change and economic uncertainty.
ABOUT SUSTAINABLE CTSustainable CT is independently funded, with strong multi-year support from the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, Hampshire Foundation, Connecticut Green Bank, Common Sense Fund, and the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.
For more information about Sustainable CT and the certification process, please visit sustainablect.org.
Media Contact:
David Oakes, Public Works Facilities & Energy ManagerCity of Bristol, CTDavidOakes@BristolCT.gov860-584-6107
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Food Scrap Collection Program
FOOD SCRAP COLLECTION PROGRAM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 11, 2024
(Bristol, CT) – The City of Bristol is inviting residents to participate in a free food scrap recycling pilot program to begin July 1, 2024
Our food scrap recycling pilot program is brought to you by the Bristol Department of Public Works, sponsored by Reworld (formally Covanta) and collected by Blue Earth Compost, based in Hartford. Food scrap collection bins will be placed at the City Yard, located at 95 Vincent P Kelley Road. The program is free to all Bristol residents.
Blue Earth will collect the food scraps and haul them to Quantum Biopower, a state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection-approved anaerobic digester in Southington.
In 21 days, Quantum can convert the food scraps into compost, and converts the methane byproduct inside the facility into bio-gas that generates electricity.
Bristol pays to have municipal solid waste incinerated at the Reworld (previously known as Covanta) facility. Data from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) states that about 22% of the waste stream is food.
The ultimate goal is to reduce the amount of tonnage incinerated by removing food from the trash. Other surrounding towns, such as West Hartford are participating in similar food scrap recycling programs.
“Food scraps can be converted into compost, which improves soil quality, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, helps to retain water in the soil, and reduces soil erosion,” stated Raymond Rogozinski, Director of Public Works. “Many food items cannot not be placed in a backyard compost. All food scraps can be composted through the anaerobic digester.”
“If it Grows, it Goes” is the Blue Earth motto. Acceptable items include fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry and bones, fish/shellfish and shells, dairy products, bread, pasta, rice, grains, eggs, eggshells, chips and snacks, nuts and seeds, left over and spoiled food, coffee grounds, tea bags (no staples), paper towels and napkins used for food production (not for cleaning), cut flowers and pet food (no pet waste). See graphic attached.
Two-gallon kitchen compost bins with compostable bags are available at the City of Bristol Public Works Office located at City Hall on the 2nd floor. You may also use your own container or bags.
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EVERSOURCE GAS MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECTS
EVERSOURCE
GAS MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECTS
Dated March 28, 2024
The City of Bristol Department of Public Works has been notified by Eversource Gas of gas main replacement project proposed within the City depicted on the attached maps.
Please note that the proposed plan if for a 3 year project period. Eversource has started work on this year’s project. Residents are also advised that revisions to the project location and schedule may occur and updates will be provided.
Please contact Eversource regarding gas main replacement project information or the Department of Public Works at 860-584-6125 with any questions.
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Inlands Wetlands and Watercourses Map Update
The City of Bristol has hired the environmental consulting firm of BL Companies to review and update the City of Bristol Inland Wetlands and Watercourses map. The purpose of the update is to accurately indicate the location of wetlands and watercourses within the City limits. Field inspection is one component of the update that BL Companies is providing. A representative of BL Companies will be performing field verification of wetland limits in multiple neighborhoods. If you have any questions on this matter please contact the Department of Public Works, Engineering Division directly at 860-584-6125.
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CT DOT Start of Work on Route 69 and Route 72 in Bristol
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
860-594-2560
DOT.CustomerCare@ct.gov
Operating Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. -
Public Works Has Moved Back to City Hall/NEW OFFICE HOURS
The Public Works Department has moved back to City Hall. Visit us at 111 North Main Street, 2nd Floor. NEW OFFICE HOURS effective 4/8/2024: MON-THURS 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., FRI 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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Eversource Shares Tree “Scorecards” with Community Leaders Ahead of Scheduled Trimming
N Eversource Shares Tree “Scorecards” with Community Leaders Ahead of Scheduled Trimming
Energy company working along 4,000 miles of electric distribution lines to strengthen system reliability
BERLIN, Conn. (March XX, 2022) – With storms happening more frequently and intensely – highlighting the devastation trees can cause and the importance of trimming and removal – Eversource is launching a new program to work together with municipal leaders on the impact trees are having in their communities. The energy company provides a map of scheduled tree work each year to all of the 149 communities it serves, now its arborists are taking it one step further and sharing town-by-town “scorecards” that break down the numbers, showing how thoughtful tree work strengthens the grid.
“The scorecards not only provide local officials with the number of miles we’ll be working on in their community this year, but they show how trees have affected electric service or caused blocked roads in their city or town,” said Eversource Manager of Vegetation Management in Connecticut Sean Redding. “As Connecticut is one of the most heavily forested states in the country, we’re constantly working to improve day-to-day reliability for our customers during all types of weather with consistent tree trimming, and we continue to see fewer power outages where this work has been done.”
This year, Eversource is investing $72 million in tree trimming and hazardous tree removal to enhance system reliability for customers throughout Connecticut and encourages customers to also maintain trees on their own properties that can interfere with electric lines or equipment. As part of its comprehensive vegetation management plan for 2022, Eversource will be trimming trees along 4,000 miles of overhead electric distribution lines around the state. Among the 132 communities where tree trimming will be performed, some of the most extensive work is scheduled to be done in Woodstock along 154 miles of roads, in Danbury and Haddam along approximately 113 miles and 93 miles in Cheshire. Other communities where work will be completed include Greenwich, Stamford, Killingly, Sharon, Norwalk and Stafford. Eversource notifies customers in advance if tree work is necessary on their property.
“We all love our trees, but they can have a devastating effect on the electric system, especially as fierce weather seems to be impacting New England more frequently,” added Redding. “We’ve found these new scorecards have opened up the dialogue with property owners and town leaders and added more context to our ongoing conversations about tree trimming.”
“We received our scorecard and while it shows that a majority of our residents understand the value of tree maintenance, the trees do cause serious problems, especially when these storms hit us. We’ve seen it not only in our city but throughout the region,” said Bristol Director of Public Works and Tree Warden, Raymond Rogozinski. “That’s why it’s so important that we work together – that property owners participate along with the cities and towns, the state and Eversource - to address these tree issues.”
In addition to the scorecards, another way Eversource is working with several cities and towns is through a new urban tree planting program, an initiative to plant trees and plants in urban settings where there is opportunity to increase tree canopy cover and greenscape. Throughout the year, Eversource’s arborists also host educational sessions in schools and work with property owners to understand their responsibility to maintain their own trees, including keeping branches away from the lower-voltage service wires connecting their homes and businesses to the main utility lines of the street.
For details on the company’s comprehensive vegetation management program, please visit Eversource.com.
Eversource (NYSE: ES), celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, is the #1 energy company in Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2021 and recognized as one of America’s Most JUST Companies. Celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship., Eversource transmits and delivers electricity to 1.27 million customers in 149 cities and towns, provides natural gas to 246,000 customers in 74 communities, and supplies water to approximately 223,000 customers in 56 communities across Connecticut. Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 9,300 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The #1 energy efficiency provider in the nation, the company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally-recognized energy efficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage, into the electric system. For more information, please visit eversource.com, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com.
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Food-Scraps-To-Compost Collection Survey
The City of Bristol is considering a partnership with Blue Earth Compost to bring a Food-Scraps-to-Compost curbside collection service to our town! There are many benefits to composting, including reducing the amount of household trash you accumulate, which keeps unnecessary waste out of our landfill and helps the environment. In addition, compost can be used to nourish your garden, houseplants, or lawn.
We need input from Bristol residents in order to kickstart this program! Please fill out our Food-Scraps-To-Compost Survey to express your interest in this potential service. The survey is non-committal, and for informational purposes only. We need at least 100 interested residents to proceed.
Here's how it would work: Blue Earth Compost will provide a four-gallon pail lined with a biodegradable bag. You fill the pail with food scraps, which will be emptied curbside weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. When your pail is emptied, you will receive another biodegradable liner. In exchange, you are entitled to three (3) 50 pound bags of compost per year as part of the service. If you don't need compost for your home, your share will be donated to Hartford Public Schools. Bristol Public Works will provide an indoor two-gallon kitchen composter for FREE.
For more information, please visit Blue Earth Compost's website.
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Plastic Bag and Film Collection
The Department of Public Works has accepted the Trex Company challenge by hoping to collect 500lbs of Plastic Film over a six month period. If we reach our goal we will get a bench made out of the plastic film that will be placed in a local park. Attached is the flyer of what is accepted. Please make sure this is free of food so the plastic does not get contaminated. The bins will be on the ground floor of City Hall (111 North Main Street) in front of the Public Works Office. The collection starts in October but you can start saving your plastic film now at home ♻️
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Special Event Permit Applications
The City of Bristol has created a new digital form to apply for special event permits! We are no longer accepting paper applications.
Bristol requires a permit for all special events taking place within the City. The application must be submitted 45 days prior to the event. Once submitted, the application will be reviewed by various City Departments. Certain Departments may require additional information.
To view our special event permit guidelines, the application form itself, and for more information, please visit our Special Event Permits page.
Understanding there will be a transition period, our team is happy to help walk you through the process. Please contact Public Works at 860-584-6125 for assistance.
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TRANSFER STATION-ACCOUNT REQUIREMENTS & UPDATED DAILY FREE ALLOWANCE
NEWS RELEASE & ADVISORY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Phone: 860-584-6125
111 North Main Street
Bristol, CT 06010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (Bristol, CT) May 20, 2019
TRANSFER STATION-ACCOUNT REQUIREMENTS & UPDATED DAILY FREE ALLOWANCE
(BRISTOL, CT)— The Department of Public Works has initiated multiple changes that will affect residential permit holders to the Transfer Station on Lake Avenue beginning on July 1, 2019.
Current and New Residential Transfer Station customers are required to maintain a minimum account balance of $25.00 in order to utilize the Transfer Station.
All PAYT debit/credit card and ACH (electronic check) payments will be subject to a service fee of 2.95% per transaction. This fee applies to online credit/debit card and ACH payments and in office debit/credit card payments.Effective August 1, 2019, only the first 100lbs per day will be free. After that, $.60 every 10 pounds. Therefore, if you have multiple visits to the transfer station, payment for total weight will be required.Please contact the Department of Public works if you have questions or need additional assistance to update your accounts.
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Recycle Coach App
May 15, 2019
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City Announces Recycle Coach “App” to Help Residents Recycle
The Recycle Coach app helps City of Bristol residents take the guesswork out of recycling, empowering them to make smarter disposal decisions and take an active approach to reducing household waste. For more information about how to download the Recycle Coach app, or to try out the desktop version, click here.
“The City of Bristol is partnering with Recycle Coach network which will transform how we communicate local collection, waste, and recycling information to our residents. Beyond that, the platform includes engagement and educational tools to help people manage and correctly dispose of their waste,” said Lindsey Rivers, Public Works Analyst.
Recycle Coach is a free service that residents may from their desktop computers, mobile devices, or through digital assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. By using the power of voice technology, the platform makes it easy for people to get local disposal information for thousands of household items when they need it.
With Recycle Coach, residents can:
- Stay organized with custom curbside collection and events calendars
- Receive collection reminders and real-time updates on service disruptions
- Become recycling experts with a comprehensive "What Goes Where?" search tool, including local disposal information and collection requirements for common and uncommon items
- Take the “What Type of Recycler Are You?” quiz for useful recycling tips and tricks
- Use the problem-reporting tool, equipped with geolocation, to notify municipal customer services about issues like missed collections
“Ultimately, this takes the guesswork out of recycling, empowering residents to make smarter disposal decisions and take an active approach to reducing household waste. For Bristol, this will translate into higher recycling rates and less contamination in our recycling stream—a win-win for everyone,” said Ray Rogozinski, Public Works Director.
Residents may download the Recycle Coach app for free from the iTunes Store and Google Play.
Additional information on the wide array of Public Works Services is available at the City website, www.bristolct.gov.
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Help Keep Bristol Clean & Green
PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Did you know…
- Bristol provides 1 FREE Bulk pickup per year for homeowners/ that receive curbside collection from the city? Simply call 860-584-6125 or visit www.bristolct.gov to schedule your appointment. Additional bulk pickups are $25 for a 3ftx3ftx15ft area.
- It’s easy to purchase a pass to the transfer station to dispose of your items
- Violations can be fined up to $90 a day for illegal bulk on your property.
- Gently used furniture can be donated to:
Goodwill, 860-585-5647
Savers, 860-583-1398
Help Keep Bristol Clean & Green
Most illegal dumping is done to avoid paying disposal fees at the transfer station or failure to take the time and effort to schedule bulk pickup appointments. Common areas for dumpingmay include vacant properties, curbside dumping, commercial dumpsters, and along the roadside. Dumping causes devaluation of property, health hazards and storm water pollution. Items dumped can wash debris and pollutants into the storm drain system, causing flooding, clogged drains and damage to wildlife and plants.
You can help clean up our city by reporting illegal bulk & illegal dumping to Public Works online or by phone 860-584-6125. Please provide as much information as possible,date/time/location/items and if a license plate on a vehicle was spotted. The City of Bristol needs your help to eliminate illegal bulk and unsightly littering in our streets, forests, and other public right of ways, as well as on private and commercial properties. Illegal bulk/Illegal dumping is disposing of waste or unwanted materials in unauthorized areas. Illegally dumped items may include:
-Household debris
-Construction and landscaping debris
-Tires & Automotive parts, Used oil, fuel and other chemicals
-Furniture, mattresses, and appliances
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Curbside Barrel Policy Reminder
Residents we need your help! Please remember to place your barrel in a clear area where we can grab and empty. If you have visitors on your collection day ask that they not block the barrels with their vehicles. Place barrels at the curb by 6:00 am on the day of pick up. Maintain 5 feet of clearance on either side of each barrel and one car length clearance in front of each barrel. Top photo is how not to place the barrels and bottom is how we need them to pick up and empty. As always, please feel free to call our office (860-584-6125) with any questions. Thank you for your help.