Trash and recycling collection in Gettysburg will soon return to Waste Connections after borough council signaled its intent Monday to award the company the lowest qualified bid for a new residential waste-hauling contract.
The borough’s current contract expires March 31. After seeking competitive bids, officials received proposals from three companies. Waste Connections submitted the lowest responsible bid at $31 per month per household, or $372 annually.
Borough Manager Charles Gable said the contract includes weekly refuse and single-stream recycling collection for all residential properties, along with the provision of trash and recycling bins at no additional charge to residents. The agreement also covers twice-yearly e-recycling events and waste and recycling services for municipal buildings, recreation facilities, and major community events such as the Memorial Day and Remembrance Day parades, New Year’s Eve celebration, Salsa on the Square, Pride Festival, Halloween parade, and Christmas festival.
Council members noted that Waste Connections previously served the borough before losing the contract four years ago to Waste Management. Several members recalled a positive working relationship with the company and expressed support for the recommendation.
Under state bidding rules, the borough is required to award the contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Staff said Waste Connections met all submission requirements, including providing the required bid bond and documentation.
Officials acknowledged that the last transition between haulers was challenging, particularly regarding the exchange of refuse bins. Council said it plans to work closely with both companies to ensure a smoother handoff this time, including coordinating the transfer of subscriber information and timing of receptacle distribution.
In other business, Planning Director John Whitmore updated council on the proposed Gettysburg Station development, which remains under review nearly a year after initial plans were submitted. The developer is continuing work on a traffic impact study and stormwater management plans, with additional discussion expected at the March 16 Planning Commission meeting.
Whitmore also outlined a timeline to update the borough’s subdivision and land development ordinance (SALDO), last comprehensively revised in the late 1990s. The proposed overhaul would modernize stormwater standards, infrastructure requirements, and digital plan review processes, with a draft expected for Planning Commission review in June.
With no public comment, council adjourned into executive session to discuss personnel matters and other confidential borough business.