Do I Have To Pay for Trash Service?

Yes. Participation in the local trash service is mandatory under Pennsylvania

State Law.

The PA Solid Waste Management Act 97 of 1980 required all communities to submit plans for waste management systems in their jurisdictions, because “improper and inadequate solid waste management practices create public health hazards, environmental pollution, and economic loss, and cause irreparable harm to the public health, safety and welfare. . .”. The act can be found on the internet under PA General Assembly Solid Waste Management Act.

In 2015 Springhill Township passed the Refuse Disposal Ordinance,

establishing the Springhill Township Sanitation Service.  At the end of 2022, the township made the decision to take over trash collection. Regardless of where you live or who collects the garbage, participation in your community’s trash

collection is legally mandated by the state to “protect and promote the health,

safety, and welfare” of all the residents of a community.

The cost of trash service has to be spread out among all the residents of

the community regardless of how much trash they generate, the same as the cost of public schools are shared out regardless of how many children you have. This ensures that the cost remains affordable to all, and that no one is creating a public health problem by not safely disposing of their garbage. When it is not mandatory, there are people who dump their trash in their yards and along the roads, polluting waterways, attracting rats and creating sources of disease. There are people who burn their garbage, polluting the air and creating health hazards for their neighbors.

Our cost is $20 per month; comparable or less than other county communities. We are also able to take many large items such as refrigerators for residents at no extra cost, and offer dumpsters for people who need to clean out a basement or garage at a fraction of what commercial operators charge.

A copy of the 2015 Springhill trash ordinance is on the website. Unpaid

trash bills will continue to build up, and are put as a lien against your property. You can also be taken to the Magistrate’s Court and charged a 15% penalty