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Waste Management to switch Falls Township to automated carts; deliveries set for late May–June
Summary
Waste Management told the Falls Township Board it will roll out automated trash and recycling carts to residents, rebalance pickup days for about a third of households and begin cart deliveries in late May–June, with full service expected by the end of June. Company representatives said bulk pickup will remain on the second waste day and that narrow streets may require rear‑load trucks.
Bob Jones, speaking on behalf of Waste Management, told the Falls Township Board of Supervisors during public comment that the company will convert local collection to an automated cart system and deliver new carts to residents in late May through June and begin service with the goal of having the system operational by the end of June. "WM is committed to provide the most efficient and cleanest service available," Jones said, describing a switch to compressed natural gas automated trucks and new 96‑gallon carts with smaller alternatives available for residents who need them.
Jones said the company plans to keep the same frequency of service (twice‑weekly waste and once‑weekly recycling) but will rebalance routes so roughly 50% of the township is collected on two days and the other 50% on the other two days; that change will affect about one‑third of households and only those households will receive notifications about a day change. "The efficiencies may change your specific day of service but you will be informed of any changes long before they occur," Jones said.
On operational details, Jones said bulk disposal will continue to occur on the second waste pickup day. He acknowledged that some narrow streets may not accommodate an automated arm and said the company has surveyed the area and expects to use rear‑load trucks at one or two locations while still using carts. Jones also proposed community presentations and demonstrations — planned at the senior center — and requested coordination with township staff and permission to use the township logo on outreach materials.
Residents asked about cart sizes and staffing impacts. Jones said 96‑gallon carts will be the standard and smaller sizes will be offered; residents may request a second cart if needed. On jobs, Jones said automation changes the nature of work but staff will be trained for new roles (including commercial driver’s licenses) and the company plans to add trucks to maintain or increase employment opportunities rather than reduce them.
The township manager confirmed that written notices and postings will be used to inform residents and that the company will mail updates to homes.
The board did not take formal action during public comment; the presentation functioned as notice to the township and a preview of forthcoming resident mailings and on‑site cart deliveries.
