Residents raise disability and access concerns as Morrisville rolls out 96‑gallon carts

Morrisville — Republic Services representatives told the borough council on April 21 that the new 96‑gallon curbside carts have been distributed to residents and that participation in the rollout is about 95–96 percent. The company said the size was chosen after reviewing historical tonnage and service frequency and that the automated carts are the most efficient option for twice‑weekly collection.

The announcement prompted extended public comment and a question‑and‑answer exchange that focused on accessibility. “We looked at the tonnage that the borough produces historically and that’s really why we went with the 95‑gallon,” Republic Services representative Dominic Fuljani said, adding that drivers and supervisors will identify households with access issues and offer individualized solutions.

Why it matters: Several longtime residents and council members described houses served by steps or steep alleys, narrow sidewalks and on‑street parking that make moving large carts dangerous or impossible for older or mobility‑limited residents. Council members pressed the company and borough staff for a clear accommodation process so those residents would not lose service.

Details: Fuljani told the meeting drivers are typically assigned consistent routes and supervisors (named in testimony as “Nick”) will inspect addresses flagged by residents or council staff. He said Republic Services can document exceptions and provide alternatives — for example, leaving trash in approved bags or providing a smaller cart in specific cases — but the company does not stock large numbers of 32‑gallon containers and will evaluate requests individually. Borough staff urged residents to report accessibility concerns to the borough office so staff can forward them to Republic and the supervisor.

Residents recounted problems during the rollout: one woman said a 96‑gallon cart would not fit on the narrow sidewalk in front of her home and that she could not physically move it down multiple steps; another said drivers had removed a resident’s old can and that staff had told her she could put trash in bags. Council members said the borough will collate addresses of residents with difficulties, and Republic representatives said they will go to sites and work through solutions.

Council action and next steps: No formal policy change was adopted; instead, borough staff and Republic Services agreed to handle exceptions individually. Council members asked staff to publicize a simple complaint process: residents should call the borough office, provide name and address, and borough staff will arrange a supervisor visit.

Representative quote: “We’ll identify each issue and knock them out one by one,” Fuljani said, describing the planned on‑route supervisor checks.

What to expect: Borough staff said they will track requests and follow up with residents. Council did not alter the contract terms in the meeting; any wider exemptions or universal distribution of smaller cans would require a contract change and additional funding discussions.