Middletown Makes Big Change To Garbage Pickups

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Middletown Township announced Tuesday it will align solid waste collection with the current township-wide recycling collection program. It's a move that will result in a cost savings for the majority of residential tax payers, the Township says. The five-year contract was awarded to the lowest responsive bidder, Central Jersey Waste. The changes will take effect in January 2018.

The Township’s garbage collection currently is broken into two districts. Two- thirds of the town is within the “Garbage District,” where property owners pay a fee for solid waste collection. The remaining third is “Out-of-District,” where residents have to contract a private solid waste company. Since recycling collection is already done on a township-wide basis, both districts pay for that service through their regular municipal tax assessment .

The Township Committee said it chose to adopt township-wide garbage and recycling collection because of the cost benefit to most residents.

“Through our Township-wide Garbage and Recycling Program, the vast majority of residents will see a cost savings, while others will remain flat or see a minimal impact. But all residents will receive enhanced services,” said Mayor Gerry Scharfenberger. “However, if we maintain the status quo, there would be a cost increase for 100 percent of all residents.”

In addition to a cost savings to the majority of residential property owners, other benefits include:
· Better service by expanding from 24 to 26 recycling pick-ups per year;
· Elimination of Saturday collections township-wide;
· Standardized 96-gallon trash and recyclable containers township-wide. The containers will have an RFID tag to keep track of containers and minimize pick-up mistakes;
· Two bulk pick-ups per month at no additional charge. Currently, there is only one bulk pick-up per month for those within the district and none for those outside the district.

“By awarding this contract for township-wide collection, residents will be receiving additional services and have fewer garbage trucks in their neighborhood,” said Township Administrator Anthony Mercantante. “We made a decision that would reduce costs for the majority of our residents, rather than increasing costs for everyone by maintaining the current system.”

Over the next few months, the Township will be focusing on a public education effort to help walk residents through the transition and address any questions.