Board to advertise 2027 solid waste/recycling bids after discussing carts, e‑waste and service options

Manager Falk told the board the township's contract with Waste Management for solid waste and recycling expires Dec. 31, 2026, and presented draft 2027 bid specifications and a pre-bid meeting document that largely mirror the current agreement.

Commissioners asked that bids permit both automated (cart-based) and manual collection so contractors can offer either service. The draft requires new carts if a new contractor takes over; if Waste Management is the successful bidder, existing carts would remain in place.

The board discussed senior-cart options and added a smaller cart for seniors to prevent animals from breaking bags. Manager Falk said the senior cart addition responds to complaints about animals and collection miscommunications.

On e‑waste and household hazardous waste, staff said the current draft requires on-call service and does not set a per-resident limit: "I don't believe there is a limit," Manager Falk said, adding the service is included in the contract and residents can call for pick-up.

Staff confirmed complaint tracking is logged in the township's Tracer system and that many reported issues are resolved the same day. After questions about collection times, cart distribution schedules and enforcement penalties, Manager Falk told the board an item to advertise the bids would appear on next week's meeting agenda.

There was no final contract award at the work session; the board directed staff to advertise and return with bids and any recommended edits to the specifications.