2 garbage haulers vying for East Deer contract

East Deer could potentially choose a new garbage hauler after working with the same company for roughly a decade.

Vogel Disposal Service of Adams, Butler County, and Bankosh Sanitation of Loyalhanna Township submitted bids to handle the township’s garbage collection from 2021 to 2024.

Vogel has been the township’s garbage hauler for the past eight to 12 years, according to East Deer Commissioners Chairman Tony Taliani.

Taliani said East Deer isn’t dissatisfied with Vogel’s service, but is willing to give the other company a chance.

“These other people have never bid before, and we’re just looking at their proposal. We’re going to evaluate both proposals and choose the one that’s best for our residents,” Taliani said.

Of Vogel’s service, Taliani said, “Every once in a while there’s a minor problem, but they’ve always rectified the matter.”

The township asked companies to submit bids with contract prices for one to four years. The township typically awards a four-year contract.

“If the price is decent, we felt it’s better to lock it in and know where we stand,” Taliani said.

Residents currently pay $15.50 a month for unlimited garbage collection, which includes one large item such as a couch on the first collection day of the month, Taliani said. Pickup is on Wednesdays.

Vogel’s bid was $136,329 for one year, $277,488 for two years, $420,577 for three years and $574,857 for all four years.

The bid from Bankosh totaled $120,000 for the first year, $122,500 for the second year, $125,000 for the third year and $128,000 for the fourth year, totaling $495,500 for all four years.

Taliani said East Deer Solicitor Craig Alexander is reviewing the proposals to make sure they meet the bid requirements. Taliani suggested holding off on awarding a contract until October to give Alexander enough time to complete his review. The contract would take effect Jan. 1.