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Council committee approves new contract for weekly hazardous-waste pickups, adds curbside option
Summary
The Department of Public Works secured a two-year contract with Noble Environmental Specialty Recycling (not to exceed $571,250) to expand weekly household hazardous waste and electronics collection, add curbside pickup options, and retain neighborhood collection events; an amendment aligned spending to 2026 and council sought more implementation detail on pricing and communication.
Council's public works committee voted Nov. 12 to authorize agreements with Noble Environmental Specialty Recycling for household hazardous chemicals and electronic waste collection for city residents at a cost not to exceed $571,250 over two years, with three one-year renewal options.
DPW officials explained the new vendor returned a lower cost and broader services than the prior contractor (Pennsylvania Resources Council). Under the contract, residents will continue to have weekly drop-off options at environmental services and will additionally be able to schedule curbside collection (pre-register and pay a volume-based, fixed-rate fee). Neighborhood regional collection events will continue. The vendor will supply containers and handle scheduling and payment; residents will pre-register online or by phone.
An amendment adjusted the budget language to reflect that the contract work will be borne in 2026 rather than the current 2025 operating budget. Council members asked about price-setting, whether curbside charges are by weight or by volume, and where collected materials will be processed; DPW said curbside charges are volume-based (flat pricing by container) while drop-off events continue to be weighed and charged per pound, and that vendors are state-permitted recyclers subject to the same processing requirements.
Council praised the expansion and said the curbside option could reduce improper disposal of paints and chemicals. Staff said communications will include a dedicated website, links from city pages, and registration instructions; council asked for outreach plans ahead of rollout.
Outcome: Committee gave an affirmative recommendation on bill 24-36 as amended; staff will coordinate communications and finalize curbside pricing details.
