Understanding Your Responsibility for Trash Service

Do I Have to Pay for Trash Service?

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

The Pennsylvania Solid Waste Management Act 97 of 1980 requires all communities to submit plans for waste management systems in their jurisdictions. This is 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…” You can find the full text of the act here.

In 2015, Springhill Township passed the Refuse Disposal Ordinance (available here, with meeting minutes from the meeting where it was passed available here). Until 2023, the township contracted with a private company for trash service. However, at the end of 2022—facing a substantial price increase and ongoing resident complaints about poor service—the township decided to take over trash collection rather than continue contracting with for-profit outside vendors.

Regardless of where you live or who collects the garbage, participation in your community’s trash service is legally mandated by the state to “protect and promote the health, safety, and welfare” of all residents—just as all residents are required to pay property taxes to support public schools, whether or not they have children.

Our current cost remains $16.84 per month; to the best of our knowledge, this is the lowest rate in the county. In addition to regular service, we pick up many large items—such as refrigerators—at no extra charge, and we offer dumpster rentals for cleanouts at a fraction of the cost charged by commercial operators.

The cost of trash service is shared by all residents, regardless of how much waste an individual household produces—just like the cost of schools is shared across the community. This system helps keep service affordable and prevents serious public health issues caused by improper disposal of garbage. In areas where trash service is not mandatory, some people dump waste in yards or along roads, polluting waterways, attracting vermin, and spreading disease. Others may burn trash, polluting the air and creating health hazards for neighbors.

A copy of the 2015 Springhill Township Trash Ordinance is available on our website. Unpaid trash bills will accrue and will be recorded as a lien against your property. You may also be taken to Magistrate’s Court, where you could be subject to additional court costs and fines. The township is required by Pennsylvania law to enforce these regulations. If someone tells you that you don’t have to pay your trash bill, they are misinforming you.