New Palmer Trash System a 'Work in Progress'

Some residents finally did some trash talking in reacting to the township's new waste hauling system.

While residents are trying to get used to the new system, taken over by Waste Management on May 1, township officials say they're trying to adjust as well to the automated system for recycling and garbage that features new 96-gallon totes for trash.

• "It's a work in progress," Supervisors Chairman Dave Colver told residents at a recent meeting. "But it's probably here forever."

Rose Leone, a resident on Bridal Path Road, complained to the Board of Supervisors that she was "disgusted with the garbage cans."

"Let's talk trash," Colver chuckled.

Leone responded that the toters are bigger than she is and they are difficult to wheel down the driveway.

"I only had one bag [of trash], sometimes two," she said. "Here, you have to learn ho to tilt it [the toters]. This is a big thing. You gotta think of the elderly."

Colver, in noting that recycling coordinator Cindy Oatis and Waste Management were in attendance, stated that the issue did come up regarding the elderly and handicapped.

"We're doing what's best for 7,200 residents," he said. "So far, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, 95 percent to 5 percent."

After Leone stated that no one knew about the trash changes, Supervisor Ann-Marie Panella responded that the township held numerous meetings.

"For six months we advertised meetings and then for another five months," Oatis said.

"It has been a little educational," Colver stated. "We've mentioned the changes online and in our newsletter. Please bear with us. We know we have issues."

Supervisor Bob Lammi said the new system is so much better for residents.

He said the problems of crows picking through trash or garbage swirling around streets are over.

But that wasn't enough to appease Leone.

"That was a bird-brained idea," she said.