Fully Automated Trash Collection Coming to Cherry Hill

Cherry Hill Council awarded a $28,761,000, five-year contract for trash collection and disposal services to Republic Services of New Jersey that moves the township to fully automated residential trash collection Monday night.

Township officials say the contract will save about $1.35 million compared with the cost of manual trash-collection service over the life of the five-year contract, officials said on Tuesday.

Republic Services of New Jersey is Cherry Hill’s current vendor, and the lowest bidder for the job. Their trucks are already outfitted for automation, and there will be no job losses connected to this change, according to township officials.

Township officials expect an additional reduction in solid waste tonnage once automated collection is implemented Township-wide.

The system will function similarly to the Township’s existing recycling program. Each household in the Township will receive a 96-gallon, wheeled recycling cart that will replace all other trash bins.

These new bins are in addition to the township’s current recycling bins, meaning each household will now have two bins. The township’s recycling program will continue alongside the automated trash collection program.

The new bins will be emptied each week by specially outfitted trucks with automated arms that will lift the can, empty it, and place it back at the curb.

“The move to fully automated collection will provide for a more efficient and effective service for our residents,” Cherry Hill Mayor Chuck Cahn said. “At the same time, the new carts being provided to residents will help to keep our neighborhoods neat and clean, improve safety on residential streets, and create safer working conditions for trash collectors.”

Officials said other towns who use automated collection have reported an increase in recycling rates and an overall reduction in the amount of trash collected. The hinged lids help to keep rain water out of cans, reducing trash weight, and are as animal-proof as possible.

The green, 96-gallon carts are expected to be delivered to residents free of charge in mid- to late-November, with full implementation expected to take several weeks. Once the new cart has been delivered to a home, automated collection will begin the following week. Trash placed at the curb in any other receptacle will not be collected.

The bins are property of Cherry Hill Township; they will be delivered directly to each home. No appointments are necessary, and residents do not need to be home to receive the new trash bin.

Old bins will be collected at the curb the week after the new bins are delivered. The bins should be marked as “trash” and turned upside down to be delivered. They can also be dropped off at Public Works during normal business hours or repurposed by the homeowner.

“Towns across the country have made the move to automated collection, and have historically reported both decreased collection costs, as well as an increase in the town’s recycling rate – which in turn can generate additional revenue in the form of recycling tonnage grants,” Cahn said. “This will be a very positive step forward for our community.”

For more information, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions, visit the Township website at www.CherryHill-NJ.com, or contact the Department of Public Works at 856-424-4422.

The attached image is a Patch file photo