Robert Chamberlain, identifying himself as “a homeowner in the borough of Northampton,” asked the council why a $75 charge was approved for the new trash carts that rolled out with the borough’s latest refuse contract.

“Why it was approved for a $75 a year rental fee for these trash cans,” Chamberlain said, calling the increase a potential permanent cost to residents.

Council members responded that the five-year collection contract required carts and that overall collection costs — including more collections, higher landfill charges and other service components — drove the higher contract price, not the cans themselves. “It’s not a rental fee,” said Ron Knauss. “It’s your permanent can,” Knauss said, adding that the cart remains part of the residence while the resident lives there.

Officials said the borough accepted the lowest responsible bidder and that one bid was about $9 million over five years while the contract the borough approved was around $6 million. Councillors also described distribution and exchange logistics: seniors are being prioritized for smaller carts, residents who request an extra set will receive two cans for a flat $75, and residents who switch from larger to smaller cans must return the large units. The borough will receive payments and then pay Republic (the hauler); online payment was not yet available but is a goal for next year.

Council and code enforcement reiterated usage rules: lids must be closed for collection and can handles and wheels should be oriented per the instructions, because crews may not collect carts that are overstuffed or improperly placed. Officials also urged residents to report issues and noted the borough will follow up on complaints; Jake from code enforcement was cited as conducting neighborhood visits.

Next steps: borough staff said they will continue outreach and distribution and that residents who have not yet been contacted should expect a phone call to finalize orders and payment arrangements.