COMMUNITY SERVICE UPDATES

Rumpke Combines Trash, Recycle Rate for West Chester Customers

Rumpke Waste and Recycling announced plans to offer one combined rate for weekly curbside trash and recycling customers in West Chester Township, effective March 1, 2025.

The new rate of $23.25, secured for one year, represents a savings of $5.25 to current residential customers using both trash and recycling services. No action is necessary for current customers to receive the new rate.

Residents who use Rumpke trash hauling service but not recycling may need to request a Rumpke recycling container to participate. Participation is not required, although no discount is offered for trash customers who wish to forgo recycling with Rumpke.

About 50% of Rumpke customers in West Chester Township already participate in its separate recycling program, according to a presentation by Rumpke officials at the August 27, 2024.

West Chester has worked for years to engage residents in responsible recycling efforts since eliminating its free community recycling drop off centers in late 2022. As reported in the Fall 2023 issue of the West Chester COMMUNITY REPORT, a West Chester Township survey found more than 93% of respondents in favor of a combined curbside trash and recycling program if it would save them money.

A request for bids for communitywide service issued by the Township netted only one responsive bid – Rumpke. The cost savings per customer was limited and it would require all West Chester residents to use Rumpke as their hauler. A greater savings may have been realized if the Township agreed to take on the billing responsibility for these service – a function West Chester does not have capacity to fulfill.

The Township hoped to achieve more savings for residents, but that was not the outcome of the process, according to Administrator Larry D. Burks. This community pricing program does encourage residents to take advantage of curbside recycling and provide larger trash pick-ups with some savings. It does not mandate which company residents choose, nor the level of service they acquire.

The new combined service includes the weekly collection of up to six 30-gallon trash cans or bags or two Rumpke 95-gallon carts; and collection of one Rumpke 18-gallon bin or Rumpke 65-gallon cart for recycling. The new rate does not account for a fuel surcharge, which Rumpke says it bills quarterly.

West Chester Township residents and stakeholders remain free to contract with the trash and/or recycling hauler of their choosing. Customers who switch to Rumpke will receive the same combined rate.

The new combined rate is subject to adjustment from year to year.

For more information about recycling options in Butler County, visit westchesteroh.org.

DISPOSING OF THE TOUGH STUFF

Special Collection Services Help Residents Rid Homes of Items Not Fit for Landfill

It’s easy for stuff to pile up and to feel overwhelmed by how to eliminate the junk that accumulates in our homes and on our property. Not everyone is a hoarder, but the tendency to hang on to things we don’t know how to get rid of is common.

The Butler County Recycling & Solid Waste District serves the county by promoting recycling, waste reduction and responsible disposal of all wastes from households, businesses and industry. A $1.00 per ton solid waste generation fee funds the District.

The District is a great resource with a comprehensive website to answer resident’s questions about recycling and responsible disposal of all sorts of items.

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

This has been the mantra of the movement to reduce unwanted items heading to the landfill with long-range environmental impact. What happens to the items that might have potential for recycling, but can’t be simply added to our curbside recycling cart? What to do with the items that can’t be recycled, but are hazardous for disposal in a landfill?

A comprehensive list of special collection services – public programs, non-profits and local businesses – for these items is available at the Butler County Recycling & Solid Waste District website. There may be fees associated.

Also, as communities in the South continue to re-build from impacts of dangerous fall storms, please consider visiting Matthew 25: Ministries online for the long list of items they accept to support our neighbors around the world. It’s possible that the items you’re struggling to get rid of, can be put to use.

Some disposal strategies:

• Freon Appliances: Cohen Industries

• Batteries: Alkaline batteries (C, D, A, AAA, 9 volt) in regular trash; Lithium batteries require special disposal: Cohen Industries, Batteries Plus

• Computers and Televisions: Best Buy, Staples, Cohen Industries

• Household Hazardous Waste: Dropoffs Thursdays through Nov. 21, 2-7 p.m. at Republic Services. Find details for annual drop-off services at westchesteroh.org/recycle.

• Paint: Latex paints can be dried using sand or kitty litter and put in with trash. Oil-based paints must be considered Household Hazardous Waste. Matthew 25: Ministries accepts paint and will put it to good use.