Waste removal changes loom in Hampton

As Hampton’s municipal manager put it, change is always difficult.

In a letter to township residents, Christopher Lochner outlines what they will encounter in 2023 as a new waste removal contract with Waste Management takes effect.

Along with experiencing a cost increase to $30.51 per month, households will receive new carts for disposal of trash by automated means, with a volume of 96 gallons as the standard size unless otherwise indicated.

Sizes of 64 and 35 gallons also are available, but township officials recommend opting for the largest because Waste Management will not take anything placed outside the issued containers.

The deadline for notifying the hauler with a request for an alternative size is Dec. 23. A sample of each cart size is available to view inside the Hampton Community Center during normal operating hours.

Residents who have received 64-gallon carts for recyclables can continue to use them for that purpose.

The new contract, which Hampton negotiated with several other North Hills municipalities, represents the end of an unlimited collection and disposal service.

“Put simply, when it came to the removal of trash, we put it out and they took it away,” Lochner wrote. “It did not matter how much or how many pieces of waste products we had; pick-up and disposal has been unlimited. Unfortunately, changes in the waste collection and disposal industry are eliminating unlimited service as it is being replaced with automated systems.”

He recommended disposing of items such as furniture, tables and appliances at no cost before the new contract takes effect Jan. 1.

“On behalf of township council, township staff, Waste Management and myself, we apologize in advance for any inconveniences that these changes in trash may cause you and your family,” he wrote.

Council approved the contract on Nov. 16. It calls for monthly bills to increase to $33.26 in 2024, $36.25 in 2025 and $39.50 in 2026, and there is no discount for senior citizens.

For more information, visit hampton-pa.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2768.