Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Solid Waste Collection topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Chester begins new trash contract; city warns residents about recycling contamination and new toters
Summary
As Chester's new trash hauler began service the first week of the year, the city's public works director told residents that recycling and trash collection will change: a new blue-lid 64-gallon toter is for recycling only, contaminated bins may be refused in future, and residents may buy extra trash cans if needed.
Chester — The City of Chester's new trash hauler began collections in early January, and the city's Director of Public Works briefed the council and residents at the Jan. 5 reorganization meeting on what to expect during the transition.
The director said the new hauler is operating with a different fleet and that, during the early transition, residents may see mixed collection patterns as crews and routes adjust. The city distributed new blue-lid recycling toters (approximately 64 gallons) and notified residents that those toters are designated for recycling only.
"If you put trash in the recycling bin, the hauler will not take the recycling bin," the director said, noting that the hauler is temporarily collecting contaminated recycling during the transition but will stop doing so in a few weeks. The director urged residents not to place trash in the recycling toter to avoid contamination, which increases costs for taxpayers.
During council Q&A a resident and council members described seeing a single truck collect what appeared to be both trash and recycling; the director explained two possible reasons: (1) a vehicle primarily used for recycling had been cleaned and was collecting recyclables, or (2) the hauler collected clear trash placed in recycling toters where residents had mixed materials. The director said hauler crews had been briefed and that the city would relay specific observations back to the contractor.
On extra containers and bulky items, the director said residents may purchase additional trash cans if household needs (for example, large families) exceed the toter capacity. The director said occasional additional bags (one to three) may be accepted on a weekly collection but that large clean-outs (e.g., 25 bags) would not be collected and should be scheduled separately with the hauler.
The city committed to additional communications in the coming days and weeks with clarification about acceptable materials, limits on extra bags, and how to report missed collections: callers should use the city's main number, (610) 447-7700, and follow the menu to reach the correct department.
The city also said it will follow up on isolated reports about truck operations and emphasized residents report problems by address or pole number to help crews respond more precisely.
