Forward Township’s new trash service well received

The community response was positive at a special meeting Friday evening.

Forward Township’s shift to resident-paid garbage pickup appears to be going as planned, with few complaints and only a handful of questions raised during a special meeting Friday.

Roughly two dozen residents attended the meeting, where township supervisors provided updates and answered questions about the new contract with Pro Waste LLC, which began garbage pickup in the township on Wednesday. It marks the first time in nearly three decades that residents are being billed for trash collection.

“This has been a big change, but overall things are pretty good,” Chairman Tom DeRosa said. “We had about 1,300 homes picked up in the past two days, and only one phone call — and that was just someone who was missed because they didn’t know what time the truck was going to show up.”

What’s included — and what’s not

There is no limit on how much trash can be placed at the curb.

Large items like furniture and appliances can be picked up, but some items like TVs, anything with freon and flammable materials like gas- or oil-filled lawnmowers must be disposed of separately. Paint must be dried or mixed with kitty litter before being put out.

Pickup will shift by one day when a holiday falls on a Monday.

The contract does not currently include recycling or electronics collection, though the township may explore occasional drop-off events in the future.

Residents who are unsure if an item can be placed out for collection can call the company directly at 724-433-3440.

Billing questions answered

DeRosa clarified that garbage service is mandatory for all occupied residential properties. However, some exceptions are possible for unoccupied or inaccessible homes:

• Properties on private lanes or far from township roads may not be serviced and may not be billed.

• Vacant houses or unused commercial buildings can be taken off the list once the township verifies they are empty.

Anyone with questions about billing is encouraged to contact the township directly for verification.

Residents now receive either Wednesday or Thursday pickup, depending on their address.

Pro Waste is handling billing, with residents able to pay by check, credit or debit. Online billing isn’t available yet, but recurring payments can be arranged by calling the company.

Garbage fees for residents are $57 per quarter, or $19 per month.

Supervisor Amy Cline said the township worked hard to get the best possible price while ensuring the contract fits Forward Township’s specific needs.

“We looked at surrounding communities and made common-sense changes to make the ordinance work for us,” she said. “We just ask that everyone use a little common sense when putting their trash out.

“Make sure it’s out at the curb the night before your scheduled pickup, in a proper receptacle with a secure lid to keep animals out and trash contained. If you’re using bags, they need to be heavy-duty — not the kind that’s going to rip and leave garbage all over the road. It helps the haulers do their job and keeps our streets clean for everyone.”

For more information on holiday trash collection, how to enroll in autopay and more, go to www. prowastellc.com.

Supervisor Dave Levdansky was absent from Friday’s special meeting.