Town and County Join in Garbage Biz

Big changes to garbage collection in Cumberland County are set for next year.

After approving a one-year extension to the Miller Waste contract, the Municipality joined forces with the Town of Amherst and called for a joint proposal. It was approved today by County Council.

Miller Waste was once again the successful bidder with a five-year, $12.6 million contract, starting April 1, 2024.

However, county residents who have been used to putting out the trash every week will have to adjust to a bi-weekly pickup schedule.

Weekly collection was considered in the proposal but at a cost over half a million dollars more. The two municipalities opted for the bi-weekly service.

Instead of alternating weeks with recyclables then garbage, all waste, including compost, will be picked up on the same schedule, requiring residents to carefully separate the contents.

Collection zones and pickup schedules will be amended.

The joint contract required Amherst and the County to agree to the same schedules and rules. Amherst Town Council agreed earlier this week.

The new program includes a Christmas tree collection every January, bi-weekly collection of one bulky item, annual special collection of construction and demolition debris (metal and bulky garbage), spring pickup of leaf and yard waste, and special and weekly pickup of eight yard organics bins within the municipality.

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