Blawnox approves new garbage contract with current hauler; rates to increase by at least 14%

Blawnox residents should expect to see their garbage bills increase by at least 14% next year as a result of a new contract with Waste Management.

Council voted 6-0 on Sept. 13 to approve a new three-year contract with a two-year option with the trash hauler. Councilwoman Meghan Kennedy was absent.

Residents currently pay $65 per quarter for trash collection. Some are charged monthly depending on their arrangement with the borough.

The borough sends out trash bills with its water and sewage invoices. The borough pays Waste Management monthly.

Bills are expected to go up to at least $74 per quarter starting January. Final numbers have not been set.

Borough Manager Kathy Ulanowicz said the 14% hike is what Waste Management will impose on the borough.

Blawnox charges an additional percentage to handle billing and other administrative costs.

Paper and plastic recycling was removed from the contract to save money.

Ulanowicz said bills would have increased more than 38% if council kept the recycling option.

Service otherwise stays the same with unlimited collection, with one bulk item picked up biweekly.

Hazardous waste recycling is available via scheduling a pickup with Waste Management.

Blawnox will continue to partner with Aspinwall and O’Hara for glass recycling. There is a glass recycling bin at the O’Hara municipal building, 325 Fox Chapel Road.

Waste Management is Blawnox’s current borough trash collector, and its present contract was set to expire at the end of the year.

Councilman Randall Stoddard said the service was put out for bid, and Waste Management was the lowest bidder.

Councilwoman Katie Specht-Coban said it was important the borough maintained its unlimited collection with Waste Management instead of a limited, automated service with new bins like what was rolled out in other communities earlier this year.

“We’re looking forward to no difference (in collection),” she said. “They’re very good.”

Residents concerned about garbage collection can call the borough office at 412-828-4141.

In other business

Council approved a new two-year contract with Delmont-based Hoffman Kennels for animal control services.

It has been Blawnox’s dog catcher for several years. The new agreement runs through 2025.

Costs remained the same at $125 per month with calls on an as-needed basis.

Blawnox is the latest borough to renew contracts with Hoffman Kennels.

Sewickley officials approved a new one-year deal with them Sept. 12. Sewickley pricing remained at $200 per month with calls on an as-needed basis.