City officials on Monday began assessing their options for Pittsfield's future trash and waste pickup needs following Covanta Energy Corp.'s announcement that it plans to close its waste-to-energy facility in March.

If the New Jersey-based company follows through with its plan, it would force the city to find another way to dispose of its trash and recyclables.

"This is disconcerting at best in terms of how we manage municipal waste collection and disposal," said Mayor Linda M. Tyer in a statement issued on Monday. "The city is in the process of understanding the impact of this potential closing and working toward a possible solution to keep services in operation."

Covanta announced on Friday that it planned to close the Hubbard Avenue facility "based on current economic conditions," according to company spokesman James F. Regan.