Township to distribute 2,500 recycling bins after $147,459 PA DEP grant; preregistration and Earth Day pickup planned

Patrick Graham, Parks & Recreation program coordinator, told the board the township received a PA DEP municipal recycling grant of $147,459, requiring a 90/10 match. Staff proposed purchasing 2,500 32‑gallon wheeled recycling containers (with lids and wheels to reduce contamination and improve curbside handling) from Toter LLC and distributing them to residents via preregistration at an Earth Day event. Christina Bernhardt outlined an education bundle to be handed out with each container and described a mailed postcard to all residents with instructions on preregistration.

Staff said the grant covers the containers and education materials and that the township’s required match is approximately $14,746. The board authorized purchase amounts not to exceed $124,579 for containers and $20,380 for educational materials; staff said they will order 2,500 to start and may purchase more if funds allow or seek additional grant funding in future cycles. Distribution will prioritize residents served by the township waste‑management contract; residents with private trash contracts may have different arrangements.

Why it matters: The initiative is intended to increase recycling rates and make curbside recycling easier for residents by providing larger, wheeled containers and consistent educational outreach. The preregistration pickup process is intended to verify residency and manage inventory at the Earth Day event.

Next steps: Staff will place orders under the grant parameters, mail postcards to households served by the township contract, open preregistration slots (2,500 initial slots on the recreation desk), and distribute bins at Earth Day with fallback pickup options for those who cannot attend.