Feb 25, 2014 2 min read

Residents in North Strabane Township are making a stink over their new garbage collector. Republic Services started collecting in January, and the Carnegie-based company has missed multiple pickup days because of both the frigid weather and logistical problems.

On Hook Street near Weavertown Road, the alley is too narrow for a standard garbage truck to navigate, said township recycling coordinator Beverly Pabian. Pabian said the company now realizes a smaller truck must be driven on that particular street.

Lucinda Bailey said she had to put another trash can on Hook Street because her garbage piled up for two weeks until it was finally picked up yesterday. “It’s a mess out here,” she said. “It looks like a dump.”

Pabian said she received about a dozen complaints from residents last week, and previous complaints have come from residents on Linden and Cheslock roads. She said the company expressed willingness to remedy the problems.

Republic Services replaced Waste Management, which provided services to the township for more than 25 years. Township supervisors were torn over the decision last November but ultimately voted to award a three-year contract to Republic Services because it was the lowest bidder.

However, supervisors approved the contract with the stipulation the board could reopen bids within a year if they are dissatisfied with the service.

Township manager Frank Siffrinn said supervisors will be made aware of residents’ complaints. He said they will review the contract with Republic Services within the next month.

“I think for the most part, slowly but surely, we’re getting to a point where the service levels have improved,” Siffrinn said. “However, there are still some issues we’re trying to work through with them.”