Wayne Faces 24 Percent Increase In Trash Collection Fees: Here's Why

WAYNE, NJ —For the next five years, Wayne Township will pay 24 percent more for its garbage pickup and disposal services, at almost $4 million per year.

But that price increase was preferable to a more steep one over the course of three years, explained Township Business Administrator Chris Tietjen at a council meeting earlier this month.

Currently, Gaeta Recycling Company is under contract with the township until the end of this year for trash pickup, hauling, and disposal services.

When the township went to look for new bids for trash pickup services, Gaeta was the only bidder, Tietjen said. The company offered two options, he explained: A five-year contract with an increase of 23.5 percent, or a three-year contract with an increase of 41.5 percent.

"We're essentially held to this one bidder to continue to collect solid waste and garbage in the new year, so there's unfortunately nothing we can do about that," he said.

Tietjen said the three-year plan was "more economical" for taxpayers.

The township council accepted the $3.86 million bid from Gaeta Recycling Company on Dec. 4, and it ends in 2030. Gaeta also manages the town's recycling services.