Kenilworth council pauses bulk‑waste fee ordinance after residents and council seek more analysis

Council members and residents questioned parts of a proposed bulk‑waste ordinance that would lower some fees and restructure pickup and drop‑off charges. Councilman Morrow raised the need for fiscal forecasting to compare current revenue with projected revenue under reduced fees, noting existing collections appear modest. "If it's $50.50 and we're paying about $4,000 for the whole operation... we're collecting 2,000 for just going out for the pickup," a finance staff member said during the discussion (figures reported in the meeting record).

Several residents and the mayor described the current fees as burdensome for households, citing examples such as $85 for certain furniture and noting that high fees can discourage proper disposal. "I personally think that some of the drop off or the pickup fees are really high," the presiding official said, describing paying $150 for two mattresses as excessive for some residents.

Council members explored options including eliminating drop‑off fees while maintaining pickup charges, offering flat fees for multiple items, or adding on‑site or online payment options. Borough staff and the CFO cautioned that tipping fees and disposal costs must be covered. The finance chair recommended tabling the ordinance to allow staff to work with DPW and administration to model revenues and costs.

A motion to pull the ordinance (referred to in the record as 2026‑02) was made, seconded and carried by roll call. Council asked staff to return with more precise cost and revenue estimates and potential payment workflows before reintroducing the ordinance.