Price Change Following Removal Of 'Green Bag' System In Chatham

CHATHAM, NJ — An update on the upcoming fee change for garbage collection was given at the April 10 Chatham Borough Council meeting.

The Borough of Chatham Council decided to discontinue the current "Green Bag" garbage collection system in favor of an automated system in which a mechanical "one-armed bandit" would empty the garbage bins.

Several residents have since spoken out, questioning the decision to transition from the current trash collection system, which is based on "pay as you throw," to an automated system in which a mechanical arm would empty bins into the garbage truck.

The financial impact of the switch on the borough's residents was a major source of concern. A worry that officials have stated is not entirely necessary because the switch would save most borough residents money.

The annual solid waste bill was $374 this year, plus the cost of green bags, a significant increase from the previous year. "Our vendor costs have gone up by more than 70 percent. This is a problem everywhere. It's absolutely crazy right now," Council member Jocelyn Mathiasen said.

It is estimated that if the borough had kept the green bag program, the prices would have risen further. For example, someone who is classified as a "low user," meaning they did not use a single green bag during the entire year, would still be required to pay $392.

"More common is about two large garbage cans a week; I call that a medium user. You're paying $564 a year for your solid waste disposal next year if we continue the green bag program," Mathiasen said.

The borough council is considering a plan that would charge borough residents based on the size of their garbage bins, which Mathiasen said is common in other communities.

"If we charge people based on the size of their can, it's really on a per-gallon basis. If you're a high user and you have a 95-96 gallon bin, you would end up paying, under this plan, $704 a year. That is only $50 more than you would pay with the continued green bags. The high users are going to end up paying a little more," Mathiasen said.

Under the new system, a 64-gallon garbage bin would cost $482, versus $564 with green bags. The smallest bin, which holds 35 gallons, would cost $259 instead of $374.

According to Mathiasen, a separate category was also created with the borough's senior citizens in mind. A senior who uses the 35-gallon bin every other week would pay $130 for the entire year under the senior category.

The goal of this category is also to incentivize residents to use less garbage during the week.

"This has been approved in principle by the council in executive session, but it won't be adopted anytime soon," Mathiasen said.

A detailed meeting with the vendor who will provide the various-sized garbage bins as well as DPW personnel is scheduled for May 9. According to Mathiasen, the meeting will also provide ample time for questions and answers.