Palmer Township Moves Ahead With new Garbage Service

Dave Colver was once against changes to system.

That was six or seven years ago. In fact, the whole didn't favor making a move to giant trash containers.

"We weren't mentally ready for it then," Colver said.

Well, the trash times are a changin.'

The Board of Supervisors voted Monday night to seek bids for a waste hauler that will collect township trash either stored in one, 96-gallon toter or two toters, one for recycling and the other for waste.

The decision comes when the board is anticipating bids back for a June 26 meeting on disposal and recycling.

Township officials have focused their efforts on separating how they handle trash collection into thirds as opposed to one contractor, Township Manager Christopher Christman said.

The township's current trash collection contracts expires on May 1, 2013.

The driving force behind the change is an effort to bolster recycling rates, which would thus provide the township with an opportunity to get state grants if its recycling percentage is respectable.

"Recyclables have now become valuables," Colver said.

Recycling Coordinator Cindy Oatis, who made the pitch, stressed to supervisors the importance of the .

Colver and Supervisor Robert Smith both agreed that the toters would help beautify Palmer's streetscape since they would be covered, thus preventing animals from ripping apart bags and rain to soak trash or for it to blow all over the place.

At a recent supervisors meeting, one resident called some streets .

"Now we'll be able to get some money for our trash instead of just getting rid of it," Colver said. "If we can drive our recycling numbers up, then it's a win-win for everyone involved."