Cherry Hill residents will have a familiar company collecting trash in the township for the next five years, but the way it will be collected will change.
At last Monday’s meeting, Cherry Hill Township Council approved a new, five-year solid waste and recyclable materials contract with Republic Services of NJ. Included in the contract will be a switch to automated trash collection, similar to how recycling is collected in the township. The $20.9 million contract will take effect on Jan. 1 and run through 2020.
Township director of communications Bridget Palmer said Republic’s trucks are equipped for automation and the only change will be providing residents with new trash bins for the program.
The new trash bins will be similar to the recycling bins. They will be green, 96 gallons and can be wheeled to and from the street.
The township will be delivering the new bins to residents later in the fall. There is no exact date for when homes will receive bins, but Palmer said the target date for bin delivery is mid-to-late November.
“It’ll take a couple weeks for everyone to get one,” Palmer said.
Though the new contract with Republic doesn’t officially take effect until Jan. 1, automated trash collection will begin for neighborhoods before this date.
“As soon as you get your can, you’re ready for automation,” Palmer said.
There will be no changes in what goes into the trash bins. Bulk trash, such as furniture, will still be collected curbside as before, and yard waste will be collected in a separate can.
Once the new trash bins are delivered in the neighborhoods, trash will no longer be collected in other bins. Residents must use the new bin.
Palmer said residents can use their old trash bins for yard waste or take them to public works.
Township officials believe the new contract will save the township money. Township business administrator Lenore Rosner said the township expects to save approximately $1.3 million with the new agreement. In the contract, the township is charged by how many tons are collected. Township officials believe the tonnage will be reduced with the new bins and automated collection.
“It saves the township a significant amount,” Rosner said.
In addition to collection at township residencies and buildings, Republic will also provide collection at Cherry Hill school district buildings and Cherry Hill Fire Department buildings.
The township will be providing full details on the new bins for residents on its website,www.cherryhill-nj.com.
Cherry Hill Fire Department honored
Councilman Jim Banner presented a proclamation to Fire Chief Thomas Kolbe and other members of the Cherry Hill Fire Department in honor of Fire Prevention Week, scheduled for Oct. 4 through Oct. 10
Banner thanked the fire department for its service not just in fighting fires, but teaching residents how to prevent them.
The fire department will have open houses on Thursday, Oct. 8 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Station No. 2 at 807 Route 70 West, Station No. 3 at 1100 Marlkress Road and Station No. 6 at 1501 Burnt Mill Road.
Welcome to Cherry Hill Night scheduled for Oct. 15
Welcome to Cherry Hill Night will take place on Thursday, Oct. 15 at the Cherry Hill Public Library beginning at 6 p.m. The event is held for new residents who recently moved to the township. Township officials, representatives from Cherry Hill Public Schools, athletic groups, religious organizations and more will be on hand. There will also be free food samples from various Cherry Hill restaurants. The event is free to attend.
