Waste Management to impose fee for ‘contaminated’ recyclables
By ERIC SEIVERLING
eseiverling@yourmvi.com
Waste Management wants to improve recycling collections, and now the company has the ability to hit residents where it really hurts.
Their wallets.
According to a new contract for “Solid Waste Collection, Removal and Disposal,” which includes recycling, beginning this year, Waste Management can charge municipalities $150 for each load of “contaminated” material.
Details of the contract can be found on the South Hills Area Council of Governments. Three Valley municipalities — Elizabeth Township and Jefferson Hills and Pleasant Hills boroughs — are affected by the change.
According to the SHACOG website, the premium paid by residents for recycling will be wasted and additional expenses will be incurred by the municipality.
The report states that given the number of loads hauled to the recycling facility each year, lack of cooperation from residents resulting in excessive contamination could cost municipalities thousands of dollars above the anticipated annual cost for solid waste collection and disposal and ultimately add to taxes and fees paid for garbage.
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