To plan and budget for the future collection of trash and recycling, Township Supervisors collected bids for a new contract to begin 1/1/26. While it was expected that these bids would come in significantly higher than the current contract, the actual proposed rates were even higher than expected, with the lowest (A.J. Blosenski) reflecting an increase in hauling costs of 82%. Even with the grant funds received through participation in the Act 101, Section 904 grant program, a solid waste fee increase of approximately 69% would be necessary to cover the proposed bid's increased cost.
At their scheduled meeting on September 25, 2024, Supervisors will decide whether to award or reject these bids. As part of that decision, the Township is considering whether to continue its current trash and recycling program, make tweaks to that program, or completely overhaul it. Some contributing factors include the following:
- Haulers are beginning to require the use of large totes for trash and recycling collection.
- Community preference was split on the pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) program based on the last survey conducted.
- The level of customer service has significantly declined with the current hauler (who was also the lowest bidder).
- Staff has researched bringing trash and recycling collection in-house.
The ultimate goal of the Supervisors is to provide a trash and recycling collection program that is cost effective, equitable, promotes recycling, provides excellent customer service, and saves landfill space.
More information about the costs and details about the various program considerations are available in the memo on pages 12-15 of the August 14 meeting packet.
The public is invited to all board and commission meetings, and is encouraged to email solidwaste@westwhiteland.org and attend the Board of Supervisors meeting at 6:30 p.m. on September 25.