Princeton’s New Trash Collection Will Require Adjusting To Changes

PRINCETON, NJ – Will a 64-gallon trash cart be enough to contain garbage from an entire household? Princeton’s new trash collection program goes into effect in February. And as part of the program, residents will receive a 64-gallon trash cart. These carts will be delivered to residents during the last two weeks of January.

However, many residents have wondered if a single trash can was enough for a household. According to municipal engineer Jim Purcell, it’s not likely that residents would need more than a single trash cart.

During the council meeting last week, Assistant Administrator and Municipal Engineer Deanna Stockton stuffed Styrofoam-filled trash bags into a cart, to demonstrate that households will not need more than one trash cart.

The trash cart can handle up to 200 pounds of waste, according to Purcell. However, extra trash cannot be put in bags and left next to the carts. Only garbage in the carts will be picked up.

Those who need an extra trash cart will have to pay an annual fee of $300.

The disposal fee is currently $118 per ton and each 64-gallon trash cart could potentially cost the Municipality $600 in additional fees, Purcell said. This would encourage the reduction of household waste.

“It is our desire that Princeton reduces our waste further,” Purcell said. “We are hoping that it’s a disincentive.”

Council member David Cohen agreed. “I don’t mind this being an income stream for the Municipality,” he said. “It’s got a benefit to the town and the environment by incentivizing better behavior. People who aren't willing to embrace that, I don’t mind having them help us pay for other goods in town.”

Councilwoman Eve Niedergang said the municipality needs to educate people so they know of the upcoming changes.

Bulk waste collection will take place on Wednesdays and residents will have to pre-schedule pick up through an online app.

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