Oakmont to start next year with new trash collector, recycling changes

Oakmont residents will see a new garbage collector and major changes to their recycling starting next year.

Westmoreland Sanitary was the lowest of three bidders vying to be the borough’s trash hauler.

Council unanimously voted Sept. 16 to approve a new five-year $3.54 million deal with the Belle Vernon company.

It was unclear if garbage collection dates would change.

Councilman Tim Favo said the current five-year contract with Republic Services expires at the end of this year. He said there would be a minimal increase in garbage fees.

Borough documents indicate fees per quarter will be $57.45 next year, $59.19 in 2021, $60.93 in 2022, $62.76 in 2023 and $64.62 in 2024.

Council members said recycling will significantly change, starting with glass collection.

The current hauler collects recyclables such as plastics, papers, aluminum and metal cans and glass every other week.

Westmoreland Sanitary’s contract stipulates three glass recycling collections per year.

“The public’s going to have to do more on their own with less service,” Councilman Richard Galm said.

Only plastics marked “1” and “2” will be recycled starting in January. The rest go with the trash.

Borough Manager Scot Fodi said bins provided for recycling and yard waste will not be changed, and there’s no change to the yard waste collection program.

Other adjustments in Oakmont’s trash and recycling collection will be posted on the borough’s website, www.oakmontborough.com.

More information about Westmoreland Sanitary is available at www.westmorelandslf.com.

Many municipalities have made or will make changes to their recycling programs, largely due to changes made in China.

“It’s a national issue. This is a market-driven issue that is affecting everyone,” said Ellen Keefe, director of the nonprofit Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling, the Unity-based environmental organization that operates a recycling center.

North Huntingdon Township Manager Jeff Silka said the municipality no longer requires its trash hauler to collect plastics numbered 3 through 7 or glass in their new contract starting in January.