Newtown Borough Residents Weigh In On Single Trash Hauler

NEWTOWN, PA — While some Newtown Borough residents are receptive to the idea of relying on a single trash hauler, others are wary of giving up their arrangement with their current hauler.

Borough council heard concerns from members of the public Thursday night on a proposal to convert to a single trash hauler in the borough. By signing a multi-year contract with a single trash hauler, the borough would enjoy a number of advantages, including a more competitive contract, decreased traffic congestion and the potential for lower price points.

Currently, residents have the option of signing with one of four companies: Republic Services, McCullough Rubbish Removal, Waste Management and Whitetail Disposal.

Related: Newtown Borough Seeks Input On Transition To Single Trash Hauler

Any change in the policy would require an ordinance change. Then, the borough would put out a contract for bid and select a qualified hauler. The borough's Environmental Advisory Commission has recommended that the new hauler should continue to bill residents directly.

Contracts are commonly for three year terms, protecting residents from unexpected price increases, borough councilmember Julia Woldorf said.

Some residents expressed support for the idea but worried about the potential for shady practices by certain haulers.

"I know some trash providers don't provide actual recycling. They put it in a separate landfill," resident Greg Lewis said. "I would like to consider the environmental impacts."

Other residents were reluctant to give up their arrangement with their current hauler.

"I don't want any administrative layer involved," resident Caroline Bennett said. "I like the flexibility and control."

What do you think? You can submit comments to the council on the proposal via the borough website.

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