Removal Of 'Green Bag' Trash System Finalized For 2024 In Chatham

CHATHAM, NJ — It's official. Chatham Borough will be getting rid of the current "Green Bag" garbage collection system in favor of a new automated system as early as next year.

According to the borough, starting on Jan. 1, 2024, an automated system in which a mechanical "one-armed bandit" will empty brand-new garbage bins, rather than the borough's current green bags.

Since the announcement last year, several residents have 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 transition on the citizens of the borough was a major cause of worry. A concern that officials say is unnecessary because the changeover will save most borough residents money.

According to the borough, they have faced a number of challenges with the green bag program in recent years, including cost increases of more than 70 percent in just three years, safety concerns with manual garbage collection, supply and quality issues with green bags, and animals getting into them.

"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.

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.

The bins will be provided by the borough.

Here is the new schedule, which will go into effect in January:

• If you live north of Main Street, you are in the orange zone. Your new collection day is Tuesday; your new bulk day is the first Friday of the month.
• If you live between Main Street and Watchung, you are in the yellow zone. Your new collection day is Wednesday. Your bulk pickup day is the second Friday of the month.
• If you live South of Watchung, you are in the blue zone. Your new collection day is Thursday. Your new bulk pickup day is the third Friday of the month.
• If you live on Main or Watchung, your collection day will correspond with the zone of the side of the street where your home is located.

Monthly bulk waste collection will continue as normal, officials said.

The bulk program has always had restrictions, but they haven't been strictly enforced in recent years, the borough said. Due to rising disposal costs, the borough has asked the vendor to strictly enforce existing bulk limitations and only pick up what is permitted under the bulk program.

According to the borough, a discount is available for households with up to two elderly people that choose every other week pickup and a 35-gallon cart. These carts will be collected 21 times per year and will have various colored lids.

The goal of this category would also serve as a way to incentivize residents to use less garbage during the week.

In the event of an occasional excess of trash, householders will be permitted to place a bag labeled "excess trash" next to their container. The stickers are on sale for $3 at Borough Hall and will be enough for one big (up to a 40-gallon) bag.