Reserve residents will see another 8% increase in their quarterly garbage bills while keeping the same hauler.
Commissioners voted unanimously Feb. 4 to extend the township’s contract with Noble Environmental for two more years.
The township’s garbage contract runs from July 1 to June 30 of each year. The township had a three-year contract with Noble, also known as County Hauling, in place from July 1, 2023, to June 30 of this year.
The township exercised the option of extending the contract for two more years, from July 1 to June 30, 2027, and then from July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2028.
The total quarterly charge has increased and will continue to increase by 8% each year. The current rate of $91.86 will rise to $99.21 beginning July 1 and then by another 8% to $107.13 beginning July 1, 2027.
By the end of the five-year contract, Reserve residents will have seen their quarterly garbage cost increase by 36%, from $78.75 in 2023-24 to $107.13 in 2027-28.
Most of the charge is for weekly collection of garbage and rubbish, which is limited to 10 bags and one bulk waste item. Recyclables are collected biweekly. Scheduled e-waste pickup is included at no additional charge.
A 15% discount is offered to senior citizens.
Reserve Manager Jan Kowalski said residents, in general, are satisfied with the service provided.
Kowalski looked at rates charged in surrounding communities, including Shaler, Etna, Millvale, Sharpsburg, West Deer, Indiana Township and Cranberry, and found Reserve residents pay less, even with the 8% increase in each of the two upcoming years.
The township sought its contract on its own instead of through a joint bidding process with other municipalities.
“If the board decided to go out for bids, we would likely be paying more and very possibly still end up with the same trash hauler,” she said.