Resident urges tiered trash rates, cites blight and safety hazards on East Cherry Street

At the start of the council’s public comment period, resident Vicky LaCour (311 East Cherry Street) urged Palmyra officials to consider tiered trash rates and smaller receptacle options for households that generate far less refuse than larger families.

"I have 1 bag of trash a week, but my neighbors are a family of 7 and have 8. Obviously, we're all paying the same fee, so I don't know if in the future it can be looked into for having tiered rates," Vicky LaCour said. She suggested allowing residents who produce little trash to opt for a smaller receptacle when the borough's contract with Casella is up.

LaCour also described several properties on the 100 and 200 blocks of East Cherry Street that she said have accumulated large amounts of trash on porches and in yards, creating eyesores, potential fire hazards and a harbor for animals. Councilors and staff explained that residential service must be provided through the borough-contracted hauler except for commercial dumpsters (which require a police permit) and encouraged LaCour to submit photos and addresses for code enforcement follow-up.

Council members asked clarifying questions, and staff confirmed dumpster permitting and that commercial arrangements differ from residential service. No policy change was adopted at the meeting; borough staff said the matter could be examined when the service contract comes up for renewal.