DUBOIS – Recycling was a topic of discussion at Monday night’s Sandy Township board of supervisors’ meeting.
Township Manager Shawn Arbaugh initiated the discussion with an account of a conversation he had with a local resident during a lunchtime walk.
He was questioned about recycling, and if it was required within the township as the resident’s neighbors weren’t presently recycling.
He offered an explanation then and again at Monday night’s board of supervisors’ meeting.
Arbaugh said the township is only required to offer recycling due to its size but does not require its residents to recycle.
Township officials were asked why this was the case, as recycling was mandatory within the City of DuBois.
Arbaugh explained that the township lacked an “enforcement mechanism,” and so there isn’t any point in a mandate without enforcement.
On his walk, Arbaugh was also questioned as to whether the township receives monies for recycling. He confirmed it did.
And so, the more people who recycle in Sandy Township, the more monies we receive annually, he said.
It was noted that the township has made free recycling bins available at the municipal building.
Additionally, it was noted that the township has a new recycling truck, which looks very similar to a garbage truck.
Supervisor Barry Abbott then dispelled rumors that the township spent over $1 million dollars on new garbage bins.
Arbaugh said the new bins were offered by Waste Management at the time the township’s five-year exclusivity contract was signed in 2021.
The township hasn’t paid “a single cent” for the bins, he said. “They were part of a contract and at no cost to us.”
Per the township’s contract, Waste Management provides a leaf pickup twice a year. The first occurred Oct. 23, but the second one is scheduled for Nov.13.
Leaves must be placed on the curbside before midnight on Nov. 12.
