The loss of two trucks has delayed garbage service in many North Huntingdon neighborhoods for as long as a week, but the township manager said the Rostraver hauler intends to get to the most delinquent areas by Saturday.
"County Hauling lost two trucks in the past 10 days -- one to a fire and one was involved in an accident. It has had a profound impact on the service level. We are aware there are places that have become very delinquent with pickups," Manager Kelly Wolfe said Wednesday.
Wolfe said the missed pickups have occurred all over the township rather than in a particular area. One street could be serviced, while one next to it is missed, she said.
Some residents have not had a disruption in service, while some streets, such as Torie Drive in the Penns Woods section, waited seven days for service.
In light of record heat during the first few days of October, Wolfe said there was great concern about the health and safety of residents.
Wolfe said she and other township administrators met with County Hauling representatives yesterday to assess the situation so they can present information to the board of commissioners. She said the hauler assured the township of its intention to recover from the service deficiencies, but that customers can still expect a one-day delay on service.
"There are fines contained in the contract regarding regular pickups, and that is something we will look into," she said.
Commission Chairman Rich Gray said he had received numerous e-mails from residents all over the township complaining about the lack of garbage service. He said he hoped there were measures that could be taken to prevent further disruptions.
"The contract still has two months in it," he said.
Last month, the township awarded a two-year contract with a two-year option to continue through Dec. 31, 2012, to Waste Management Inc.
Garbage rates will nearly double under the new contract, but Gray said the County Hauling rate was extremely low, while the new rates are more in line with the industry standard.
Specifically, the rates will increase from the current $8.58-per-month rate, with an 80-cent quarterly surcharge, to $15.92 per month with no surcharge. In year two, the monthly rate will increase to $16.56 per month. If the township opts to extend the contract, residents will pay $17.37 per month in the third year and $18.07 in the final year.
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