Details of New Bristol Twp. Trash Deal Released by Officials

The Bristol Township Council approved a new waste hauling contract with Waste Management last week.

The five-year deal, scheduled to go into effect January 1, 2014, was greeted with mixed reviews by residents because one aspect of the deal calls for a reduction of trash pickup to once a week, despite the touted savings officials saw as a victory in light of financial difficulties faced by the township. Recycling will remain once a week.

On Monday in between the cleaning up the snow from the day before and preparing for the onslaught of new snow to come, the township released a statement dealing with the speicifics of the new deal with the trash hauling company and answering a number of questions readers asked of LevittownNow.com

The most often issue most commented about to LevittownNow.com dealt with reduction in days of  trash pickup, concerns that the reduction would lead to “garbage in the streets,” as one reader put it, and if residents had to pay for new wheeled trash and recycling containers.

Read Council Approves New Trash Deal Story Here 

Bristol Township’s Recycling Coordinator Scott Swichar said, “residents should be able to adjust to the new once a week service since the average household in Bristol Township throws out 47 lbs. of trash a week and the new 95 gallon trash container can easily hold 200 lbs. of trash.” He also noted that “typically” a second trash pickup day is “often underutilized”  by township residents.

A letter will come in the next two weeks to alert homeowners of their trash pickup day, Township Manager Bill McCauley said at last week’s council meeting.

Officials said at the council meeting the township will save $1,264,232 alone during the first year of the contract and a total of $5,119,627 over five-years compared to the expiring contract with Republic Services and is due  in part to the reduction of pickups. According to the release, the township  over five- years, will save a total of $5,119,627, in comparison to the expiring contract with Republic Services.

Additionally, McCauley said that the fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly trucks used by Waste Management  are also quieter than those of Republic.

“The move to automated collection and the switch to new cleaner CNG trucks is going to be good for both the Township and good for the environment.”

2014 Proposed Budget: Unfunded Liabilities Grow to $91 Million in Bristol Twp.

Bristol Township officials hope to increase the community’s recycling rate. Waste Management officials said last week they are hopeful they can triple the 13 percent rate.

The new trash carts come with secure able lids, so resident concerns about garbage piling up on the streets and littering the township should be eliminated officials said. Waste Management’s Chuck Raudenbush said new waste containers will be delivered by the first of February and residents can use their old trash cans until then. Smaller totes are available upon request and for people with disabilities.

Raudenbush said residents can recycle paper products, boxes and plastics 1 through 7. Waste Management officials did ask residents to not put plastic bags in the recycling containers because they can jam recycling equipment.

Waste Management will be working with Bristol Township officials to produce a information and a short video to help residents with the transition to new cans and system.

Details for Residents on New Trash Contract  

1. As part of the new agreement, Waste Management will distribute new 95-gallon trash and 65 gallon recycling carts to all residential customers in Bristol Township at no charge.
2. Since customers will transition from 20 gallon to 65-gallon recycling carts, the Township expects a significant increase in the amount its citizens recycle and subsequently a sharp decrease in how much trash is thrown away.
3. The new residential service with Waste Management will begin on January 1, 2014 and residents will receive their 95-gallon green waste and 65-gallon blue recycling carts shortly thereafter.
4. As part of the program, residents with special needs will also have the option to choose smaller 65 gallon or 35 gallon containers in case they are having difficulty maneuvering the larger carts. Informational packets with detailed instructions on the changes will soon be delivered to residents.
5. Carts must be placed in the street at least three feet apart with the wheels toward the curb and the arrows on the lid pointing toward the street
6. They must also be at least four feet from any obstacles including cars, trees, mailboxes and utility poles

The above information was provided by Bristol Township