Hamburg gets good deal on recycling

Hamburg — Every town is struggling both with the economy and with the budget cuts imposed by the governor, and Hamburg is no exception. The town is exploring ways to deal with both those problems without compromising service. Offers to share services in various areas have been coming in from a number of towns, including a $154,000 bid from Hardyston Township to take over recycling, which was approved at a special meeting held Monday, April 12. Because this is an interlocal agreement, there was no requirement that the program be put out for competitive bidding. This will replace the recycling contract held for Hamburg by Waste Management of Lafayette, at a cost of $152,000 a year. But the Hardyston price is locked in for 5 years, and according to Councilman Russell Law, “with the increase in tipping fees and weight charges, Hardyston is giving us a great, great deal.” The current contract expires on July 1, so Hamburg had sent a request to Waste Management and Lafayette about updated prices for recycling, but Lafayette wasn’t interested and there was no response from Waste Management. The Hardyston deal is exactly the same as the current contract in effect with Waste Management but with added bulk waste pickup. Sharing services At a previous meeting, Councilman Law brought forth an inquiry from Vernon Township about sharing dispatching services. Hamburg currently contracts with Andover Township for this service, but that contract ends next year. Hamburg Police Chief Jan Wright said he was very pleased with the current service, and the price is very competitive. After much debate, the council opted to take proposals from Vernon, and any other town that might be open to it. “I know that Hardyston would love to get in on that,” said Mayor Paul Marino.