Three communities in the Lower Valley are hoping to limit trash collection costs by joining together to advertise for garbage collection bids.
Cheswick, Springdale and Springdale Township officials this week approved advertising a three-way bid.
Springdale Township and Cheswick did a dual bid for refuse collection six years ago, and their contract expires at the end of the year. Springdale Borough’s trash contract also expires at the end of the year.
“By working with our neighbors, Springdale Borough, our hope is we will be more attractive to potential bidders,” said Brad Yaksich, president of Cheswick Council.
“It is well documented that competition is dwindling, and refuse costs are spiraling out of control. We want to do all we can to get the best deal for our municipalities and the people we represent.”
Cheswick charges households $49 for garbage collection each quarter. Springdale Township charges residents $15 a month — $45 per quarter — for trash pickup. Springdale’s rate is $54 per quarter.
“We’re all similar-sized communities,” said Rick Schwartz, chairman of the Springdale Township commissioners. “You can’t collect garbage in one end of Springdale Township without going through somebody else, so it only makes sense.”
Schwartz referenced other municipalities that have experienced a large increase in trash collection costs. Solicitor Craig Alexander noted that New Kensington approved a 73% rate increase last year.
While it has yet to be seen what trash costs will be in upcoming years, “I think that it won’t be as high an increase as if we went out on our own,” Schwartz said.
Springdale Council President Mike Ziencik agreed that getting an early start and possibly going in together could help with trash collection costs for residents.
“Maybe with multiple communities, maybe you could get a better number,” Ziencik said.
