End Of 'Green Bag' Trash System Near In Chatham Borough

CHATHAM, NJ — Chatham Borough will phase out its current "Green Bag" waste collection system in favor of a new automated system at the start of next year, with the first phase of the transition commencing this week.

The new carts will be delivered to all residents throughout the week, beginning the week of Dec. 11, and will be dropped off at houses throughout the whole week. The municipality will also provide literature with extra information about the new program with the bins.

Read More: Future Changes For Trash Collection Discussed By Chatham Council

Starting on Jan. 1, 2024, an automated system in which a mechanical "one-armed bandit" will empty brand-new garbage bins rather than the borough's current green bags.

Since the announcement last year, several residents have spoken out, questioning the decision to transition from the current trash collection system, which is based on "pay as you throw," to an automated system in which a mechanical arm would empty bins into the garbage truck.

Once residents receive their new bins, they can begin using the new carts immediately, but until Dec. 31, they will need green bags in them, officials said.

The financial impact of the shift on the borough's residents was a major source of concern. A worry that officials say is unfounded because the switch will save most borough residents money.

The annual solid waste bill was $374 this year, plus the cost of green bags, a significant increase from the previous year. "Our vendor costs have gone up by more than 70 percent. This is a problem everywhere. It's absolutely crazy right now," Council member Jocelyn Mathiasen said previously.

It is estimated that if the borough had kept the green bag program, the prices would have risen further.

"This program will cost less for the Borough and residents than continuing the green bags program. The new rates replace both your annual solid waste bill and the cost of green bags," the borough said.

Under the new system, a 65-gallon garbage bin would cost $482, versus $564 with green bags. The smallest bin, which holds 35 gallons, would cost $259 instead of $374. There is also a 95-gallon bin, which is suitable for large families and costs $704.

Here is the new schedule, which will go into effect in January:

• If you live north of Main Street, you are in the orange zone. Your new collection day is Tuesday; your new bulk day is the first Friday of the month.
• If you live between Main Street and Watchung, you are in the yellow zone. Your new collection day is Wednesday. Your bulk pickup day is the second Friday of the month.
• If you live South of Watchung, you are in the blue zone. Your new collection day is Thursday. Your new bulk pickup day is the third Friday of the month.
• If you live on Main or Watchung, your collection day will correspond with the zone of the side of the street where your home is located.

Monthly bulk waste collection will continue as normal, officials said.

In the event of an occasional surplus of trash, residents will be allowed to place a bag labeled "excess trash" next to their container. The stickers are $3 at Borough Hall and will cover one large (up to a 40-gallon) bag. Residents will be permitted to use the stickers three times per year; if they require more, they must upgrade their cart, officials said.