'Consequences' Possible If Cherry Hill Trash Service Stays Subpar: Mayor

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Republic Services, Cherry Hill's trash collector, has performed dismally lately and will face repercussions if it continues to provide service "so far below adequate levels," the township's mayor said.

Cherry Hill residents have dealt with multiple trash collection delays during the past few years, according to an email Mayor Susan Shin Angulo sent out on Thursday.

"With each instance, my administration met with Republic’s senior representatives in an effort to ensure full-service restoration, and at times instituted liquidated damages—essentially fining Republic and incentivizing them to allocate adequate resources to the township," Angulo said.

Republic Services was able to adhere to the schedule for a short while, but then fell behind again, causing the township to use its own resources to bring trash collection services up to date, according to Angulo.

"Unfortunately, only a few days later the township was told by Republic that a significant number of Republic employees were fired for cause, and as a result, trash, recycling, and yard waste delays began to accrue yet again," she said.

"This time, the township met with Republic’s senior representatives, and advised in no uncertain terms the severe consequences the company may face should their level of service continue to fall so far below adequate levels," she said.

Republic Services responded by saying it will allocate more of its trucks and employees to the township and it "expect[s] all missed pickups to be collected by Tuesday, July 5" according to Angulo.

That particular workday was still in progress at the time of this story's posting on Patch.

While the township waited to see how things play out that day, it and Republic Services continue to explore ways that may improve trash collection in the long term, Angulo said.

Republic Services has also been behind in trash collections in the Burlington County townships of Cinnaminson and Willingboro, Patch previously reported.

In response to the township's concerns, Republic Services told Patch "many industries are facing staffing challenges at this time, and the environmental services industry is no different."

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