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Residents press council on recurring trash and recycling problems; staff schedules hauler meeting
Summary
Multiple residents urged the City of Chester to address co-mingled recycling, inconsistent truck routing and missed pickups. Staff said quarterly tonnage shows a 34% increase in recycling year‑over‑year, cited ReWorld facility delays and proposed a meeting with the hauler (Cassella) early next week to address service and routing issues.
Several residents raised persistent complaints about trash and recycling collection during public comment at the June 10 council meeting, pressing city staff for answers and a timeline for fixes.
Miss Dennis Susan and others described recurring co-mingling of recycling and trash and said sidewalks and foliage were making sidewalks impassable for seniors. Audience members said they often observed a single truck collecting what should be split loads, and complained pick‑up frequency and enforcement of container rules have degraded since the new hauler began service.
Public works staff acknowledged the complaints and said the hauler provides quarterly tonnage reports showing recycling growth — staff cited a 34% increase in recycling in Q1 2026 versus Q1 2025 — but admitted operational problems remain. Staff described logistical constraints including multiple daily truck runs, long waits or closures at the ReWorld facility that can prevent a truck from making a second trip to collect recycling, and the confusion caused when recycling collection was shifted to the same weekday as trash. As a result, staff proposed options including reinstating a dedicated recycling day and scheduled a meeting with the hauler (Cassella) to discuss operational fixes; staff aimed for early next week (Tuesday) for that meeting.
Council and staff warned that strict enforcement of container requirements (two 65‑gallon trash containers and one 64‑gallon recycling container per ordinance) could change contract costs or reduce extra pickups the hauler has been providing. Staff also said they are communicating with ReWorld to reduce delays that prevent same-day recycling runs.
Why it matters: Co-mingled recycling can jeopardize grant-eligible tonnage and reduce recycling revenue; uneven trash service impacts public health and quality of life. Residents requested to be included in the operational meeting with the hauler; staff said they will invite stakeholders and follow up publicly.
