Trash collection problems discussed in Oakmont
Missed pickups, scattered rubbish and other issues with Oakmont’s garbage collector have borough officials talking trash.
“There’s an issue with trash, and on Wednesdays I talk trash all day,” said Phyllis Anderson, assistant to the borough manager, at Monday night’s council workshop meeting. “There’s things that County Hauling should address that are not being addressed.”
Wednesdays are the Belle Vernon-based company’s collection days for the whole borough.
Borough officials said there are about 2,500 stops in the borough and roughly 30 are missed every week.
Other problems mentioned at the meeting included garbage collectors taking bins from alley ways, dragging all the cans to the end of them and not returning bins to the properties, as well as leaving trash along streets.
Anderson recommended County Hauling send residents information to help with collection, and have better signage on trucks so people know which ones are for garbage and recycling.
She acknowledged some residents are “not following the rules” and putting their trash out after trucks have made their rounds.
Borough Manager Scot Fodi said he’s been in talks with company officials about changing the one-day per week pickup into three days per week. It’s unclear if and when the collection schedule would be changed.
Oakmont officials approved a new five-year $3.54 million deal with the company in September.
The previous hauler, Republic Services, had a five-year contract that concluded at the end of last year.
Council Vice President Leah Powers said she voted for County Hauling based on the promise of glass recycling.
Three glass collections were to take place this year, and none have occurred.
Powers said the company has performed “below the bar” and wanted to review the contract.
Solicitor Kate Diersen suggested any further discussion about the garbage collection contract should be done in executive session.
Messages left with County Hauling Tuesday were not returned.
An automated message encouraged people to put all trash in bins. It said loose trash in cans “will not be collected under any circumstances.”
More information about the company is available at countyhauling.com.
Michael DiVittorio is a TribLive reporter covering general news in Western Pennsylvania, with a penchant for festivals and food. He can be reached at mdivittorio@triblive.com.
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