1.What is automated waste collection?
Automated collection is performed with trucks that utilize a hydraulic arm to pick up and empty trash and recycling containers. The hydraulic arm is operated by the driver from inside the vehicle. It is a more common method of waste collection that creates safer working conditions for sanitation workers.
2. Do I have to pay for the new containers?
No, If the Board of Supervisors awards a bid for automated collection, two 96-gallon containers (one for trash, one for recycling) will be delivered to your curb from Waste Management during the month of November.
3.Will the new automated container be large enough for my household?
The automated containers are 96 gallons and hold about seven (7) kitchen bags of garbage. These containers are more than 2.5 times larger than a standard 35-gallon container. Residents who would like more space for their trash may pay an additional $12/month for a second container.
4.Why is there a significant cost increase for trash and recycling collection?
Middletown Township has a single-hauler trash program where the Township contracts with a single hauler on behalf of all residents. This allows the residents to receive the best price for trash and recycling services.
The current 5-year contract took effect in 2020, prior to the start of the pandemic and rampant inflation. The cost of waste collection has increased significantly in recent years, with some communities seeing increases as much as 85%. In anticipation of higher costs, the Township sought out bids for changes in service, including automated collection, once-per-week trash collection, and once-per-month bulk waste collection.
5. Why doesn’t the Township renegotiate this cost increase?
State purchasing laws require that the Township solicit bids and award to the lowest responsible bidder. The Township received bids from three (3) service providers, with Waste Management as the lowest bidder. The Township cannot legally negotiate a new contract.
6. Will Waste Management workers lose their jobs if the Township switches to automated collection?
Waste Management will not be firing drivers if the Township moves to automated collection. In fact, they have confirmed with Township officials that they need to train more drivers on the automated trucks since the industry as a whole is changing toward automation.
They have also confirmed that they will still need drivers and helpers on non-automated routes for the community as well as others in the area.
Waste Management uses non-automated drivers and helpers for all of the below:
- Bulk Pickup Routes (driver & helper)
- Manual Collection routes for areas that cannot be automated due to a number of reasons (including select townhome/condominium neighborhoods in Middletown’s contract)
- Appliances/White Goods and CFC containing pickup routes
- Container delivery and container removals across residential and commercial lines of business
7. How will the large trash containers be managed in certain developments?
Due to the compact streets and difficulty storing large trash containers, the neighborhoods of Tareyton, Hollybrooke, the Villas at Middletown, and Windybush will remain with manual collection, however a change to once-a-week collection is possible.
8. What is the process for implementing automated trash collection?
Waste Management will deliver the container to residents' curbs in November. Residents may begin using containers right away and Waste Management will pick up Manually. Automated collection will begin after January 1, 2025.
9. What happens if my container is damaged?
If a container is damaged for normal wear or tear (e.g. broken lid or wheel) Waste Management will repair or replace the container.
10. Will automated collection impact yard waste collection?
Yard waste collection will remain unchanged with the new contract.
11.Will automated collection impact bulk waste collection?
Bulk waste collection will remain part of the program. The bid includes an option to remain with once-per-week curbside bulk pick up (one item limit) and also provides an option for moving to once-per-month curbside bulk pick up (two item limit).
12. Will the Township be sharing the results of the survey?
Results of the online survey will be shared with the community when the survey closes later this month.
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