Chester outlines new trash and recycling contract; 64-gallon recycling carts, schedule changes to start in January

City officials briefed council and the public on Dec. 10 about a new solid-waste contract and the roll-out of 64-gallon recycling carts for residences served by municipal trash collection.

Andrew Hayman, director of public works, said the city began distributing 64-gallon recycling bins the week of the meeting and that distribution should continue into the following week. He noted not all buildings receive municipal collection (multi-unit buildings and some businesses may use private haulers) and advised residents with questions to call the Public Works Department.

Melba Rothwell, identified in the meeting as the city’s recycling coordinator, said the city’s new contract is with Casella and that recycling pickup will be aligned with each household’s regular trash day rather than a separate Wednesday schedule. She told council that the contract allows up to two bulk items per trash day (up from one under the prior arrangement), and rehearsed common restrictions (appliances or items containing Freon will not be accepted without special handling).

Council members and staff clarified several operational items: the contract requires the new hauler to pick up items placed in the 64-gallon cart; residents may keep or recycle their old, smaller blue bins but the city recommends transferring materials into the new 64-gallon cart for pickup; and the city will publish the definitive schedule, holiday adjustments and program rules on chestercity.com and the Chester City Connect app. Staff said they would confirm whether post-January guidance will permit continued use of old bins and will seek to provide brochures and app resources in Spanish.

Residents asked how holidays will affect pickup schedules; staff said established holiday protocols generally shift service earlier in the week (for example, a Thursday holiday may move collections up to Wednesday) and that recycling may be disrupted on some holiday weeks to preserve trash pickup continuity. City staff also reminded residents that apartment buildings and privately contracted properties may not receive city-provided carts.

What’s next: Staff will post a finalized schedule and frequently asked questions on the city website and app, confirm Spanish-language materials and publish the holiday pickup calendar. Residents with immediate questions were directed to contact the Public Works Department.