Carlisle Council considers bringing waste management in-house amid rising costs

The Carlisle Borough Council workshop on July 3, 2025, spotlighted the pressing issue of waste management costs, revealing significant concerns over the current garbage collection contract. Council members expressed frustration over the lack of competitive bids, with only one proposal received for the collection services, leading to a potential increase in costs for residents.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that the borough's budget for waste management is essentially a pass-through, where fees collected from residents directly fund the hauler's labor and tipping fees, leaving no surplus revenue. The council noted that the costs associated with garbage collection have nearly tripled over the past six years, raising alarms about the sustainability of the current system.

One council member suggested that the borough consider putting the decision on garbage collection options to a public vote, emphasizing the need for transparency and community input. This proposal aims to ensure that residents have a say in how waste management is handled, especially given the rising costs and the impact on their wallets.

The discussion also touched on the complexities of waste management, including the high labor costs that account for over 50% of the total expenses, while tipping fees represent only a small fraction. The council plans to provide a detailed breakdown of these costs to the public, aiming for clarity and understanding of how fees are structured.

As the borough grapples with these challenges, the possibility of bringing garbage collection in-house is being explored, a move that could potentially offer more control over costs and services. The council's commitment to addressing these issues reflects a growing concern for residents' financial burdens and the need for a more effective waste management strategy.