Politics & Government

Hatboro Weighs in on Trash Collection

The borough council is planning to impose weight limits for trash receptacles, as well as the garbage itself.

In an effort to prevent Public Works employees from literally breaking their backs, the Hatboro Borough Council plans to impose weight limits for trash that residents set at their curbsides. 

The governing body will consider voting at its Feb. 27 meeting to enforce a 50-gallon limit for cans and a trash limit of 60 pounds per container, officials said Monday night.

Hatboro Borough Manager Steve Plaugher said the borough, several years ago, adopted an ordinance limiting trash collection receptacles to a 30-gallon container. After reviewing the matter recently, Plaugher said that enforcing a 30-gallon limit “is not feasible.”

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“This is important for protection of our employees,” Plaugher said, adding that residents had been setting out “huge containers” that were “bigger than our Public Works employees.”

Resident Ron Battis suggested that employees wear safety back supports to add further protection.

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“I think it would be a huge help,” Battis said. “Some of these cans are huge.”


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