Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Refuse Fee topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Blakely council raises annual refuse fee to $300, sets pickup and sticker charges
Summary
On Dec. 15, 2025 the Blakely Borough Council adopted Ordinance 5 of 2025 to raise the annual refuse fee to $300 with a 10% discount for payment by Feb. 28, 2026; the council also set sticker and mattress pickup charges and clarified bag pricing.
Blakely Borough Council voted on Dec. 15, 2025 to adopt Ordinance 5 of 2025, increasing the annual refuse/garbage fee to $300 and offering a 10% discount for payments made in full by Feb. 28, 2026. The motion to approve the ordinance was made by Kyle Burak and seconded by Edward J. Alco Jr.; the measure passed by voice vote (all ayes).
The ordinance also sets fees for large-item disposal: furniture stickers will cost $5.00, mattresses will be picked up for $10.00 and box springs for $5.00; the ordinance requires mattresses and box springs be placed in a plastic bag available from the borough for $5.00. Paper lawn bags may be purchased for $0.75 each.
Edward J. Alco Jr., council member and chair of Refuse & Recycling, said the increase is the borough’s first in 17 years and the adjustment was necessary "to maintain the current level of service," noting prior efforts to cut expenses in the department. Christopher R. Paone, the borough secretary, said residents should expect new refuse bills to arrive within the first 10 days of January 2026.
Why it matters: the change affects every household that receives borough refuse collection and alters the cost of optional large-item pickups and disposal supplies. Residents who pay early will receive a 10% discount; the council also specified the mechanics of sticker and bag sales to help enforcement and collection operations.
The ordinance was read into the record by Attorney Abrahamsen, the borough solicitor, and adopted on the council floor. The council adjourned after routine remaining business.
