LOWER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. — Trash costs are increasing for residents throughout the Lehigh Valley, and Lower Macungie is bracing its residents to expect the same.
Township officials said trash hauler Waste Management Inc. is not seeking to extend its contract when it expires in August.
As a result, Township Manager Bruce Beitel informed residents during the most recent township commissioners' meeting that the township is accepting new bids for a hauler starting June 6.
He followed that with a warning that neighboring communities have seen increases as much as 50% to 60% or more in solid waste contracts, and it could come as a shock to residents if they are not anticipating it.
"We'd like to make sure we have feedback in front of the board on the second June meeting," Beitel said.
"As well as the June workshop so that those members of the public, if they have questions, can hear about proposals that we received back."
Neighboring communities have seen increases as much as 50% to 60% or more in trash collection contracts.
An alert of the township website indicates Lower Macungie has begun a comprehensive review of its solid waste and recycling management system to prepare for new bids.
It also provides a list of frequently asked questions and answers to the growing issue of what it calls "trashflation."
With a new contract, the township says collection and payment schedules may change, and residents may have to purchase new trash and recycling receptacles.
As it stands now, apartments, condominiums, and private communities — including manufactured home parks and commercial businesses — are not included in the township waste collection contract, according to the website.
Residents now pay $360 a year for trash services, billed quarterly.
Increases throughout the region
Municipalities such as Easton, Allentown, Bethlehem, South Whitehall Township and Macungie are among those that have wrestled with significant cost increases for new trash contracts.
Lower Macugnie officials said they anticipated this when approving the 2024 budget in December, accounting for as much as a 60% rate increase for the last four months of 2024.
"The cost of trash, it's going to go up tremendously with our next contract, as it has in other communities already around the Valley," Commissioner Brian Higgins said at the time.
"Really without any control on our end other than to get the best deal we can."
For example, Macungie Borough residents saw their trash bills more than double starting in November 2022 as part of a new contract, from around $17 a month to over $40.
Municipal and refuse company officials said increased costs in the market stem from heightened fuel cost, staffing challenges, and increasing equipment and insurance costs.
In response to its 62% increase, South Whitehall Township embarked on a study to keep future increases as low as possible.
