Residents tell Chester council new trash hauler missed recycling, city promises follow‑up

Residents raised numerous complaints about missed recycling and inconsistent service from Chester's new trash hauler during public comment, and city staff pledged to follow up.

"December 18 was the last time my recyclables were actually picked up," resident Harry Crawford told the council, saying he contacted the hauler and city staff repeatedly without remedy. Several speakers described recyclables left uncollected for weeks and expressed concern that commingling may have cost the city recycling tonnage and refund revenue.

Michael Lewis, a block captain committee member, urged clear communication about missed collections and local help obtaining recycling bins. "It helps if we all could get some communication so at least the people in the building can know, hey, they're not coming this week," Lewis said.

Public Works Director Andrew Haman acknowledged widespread complaints since the new contractor began operations on Jan. 2 and said he would follow up after the meeting. Haman described two operational causes: contamination (trash placed in recycling bins) that renders a recycling load contaminated and the use of two Casella trucks (both Casella vehicles, one dedicated to recycling and one to trash) that can make collections look simultaneous to the public. He told residents that if a recycling bin appears contaminated it may have been collected as trash but that the city is asking the hauler to tag contaminated containers and notify residents.

Melber Rothwell, recycle coordinator, told residents the city's plan includes tagging contaminated bins so residents know why a collection was not made and how to correct it. She also recounted work she is doing to ensure the hauler marks contaminated containers at the curb and communicates required corrective steps.

Council urged residents to file complaints through the municipal switchboard at (610) 447‑7700 so the city can track calls and escalate enforcement if contract terms are not met. Public Works said dozens of complaints have been forwarded to the contractor and that staff will pursue corrective action and possible enforcement if the contract is violated.

No new enforcement actions were announced at the meeting; staff said follow‑up and additional outreach (including replacement flyers or direct contact) would be used to reduce confusion and improve compliance.