O’Hara residents to see changes in trash collection in a few months

Michael Divittorio | Tuesday, January 17, 2023 9:19 p.m.

Michael DiVittorio | Tribune-Review

Changes are coming to O’Hara trash collection, specifically with new bins and collection days.

Township officials recently approved a new trash and recycling contract with Waste Management through the North Hills Council of Governments.

It runs 2023-26 with an option year for 2027.

Township Manager Julie Jakubec said garbage collection fees are included in township’s real estate taxes. Council passed its 2023 budget with no tax increase.

Several changes to collection are expected to be implemented sometime in March or April.

New automated service

Trash pickup will move to an automated service. Residents will be given a new trash can, also called a cart, to replace their current receptacle. Waste Management will be giving customers a survey so they can choose which can size they want. Those who do not respond to the survey will receive a 96-gallon can.

All trash must be placed in the can, and nothing will be picked up that is not in the can, according to a township post about the changes.

Cans are on display at the township office, 325 Fox Chapel Road.

Jakubec said she understands if there are residents and property owners who might not like the changes.

“It’s different, so certainly I know folks are a little apprehensive about it,” she said. “It’s more environmentally friendly. It’s kind of how they’re doing it. You put the cart out. They come through with a truck and pick it up. (The machine) puts it in at the end of the truck and drops it back down.”

Collection and recycling remains weekly. Bulk item collection will be once a month. Customers can arrange additional bulk item pickups through Waste Management.

Residents can order additional trash cans. Costs are $100 for a 96-gallon cart, $85 for a 64-gallon one and $75 for a 32-gallon one.

Waste Management has been the township’s garbage collector since 2000.

“They’ve done a very good job,” Councilman Mike Hammil said. “They communicate with us, we communicate with them. We work well. It’s been a good coexistence.”

Hammil also acknowledged some potential pains early on with the collection transition, but he believes it will become a better service overall.

“I think it’s a good change if it makes it easier for Waste Management and a simpler pickup (for residents and property owners),” he said. “There might be some challenges for some elderly as far as doorstep pickup. Some places might be tight because it’s going to be automated instead of garbage people doing it manually. Other than that, I think it’s a good idea.”

There will be no change to the household hazardous waste and recycling or Waste Management’s yard waste collection programs. The township’s glass recycling bin will remain in the municipal parking lot.

Residents and property owners who might want to recycle their old garbage cans can reach out to Pittsburgh-based Construction Junction, a nonprofit that accepts donations of used and surplus materials. More information about the nonprofit is available at cjreuse.org.

More information about the changes is available by calling 412-782-1400 or going online to the township’s website and Facebook page.

Customers also can contact Waste Management at 800-796-9696 or online at wm.com.