Trash Service Update: Indiana Borough x Waste Management

We understand that change can be difficult. As we navigate the change to our municipal trash contract, we will work to share as much information as possible about the change in service. We ask for your patience and understanding as we work with Waste Management to deploy the changes in our contract for 2025.

Read on for more information about the change in service!

1. Why is the Borough trash contract changing? What are the benefits?

• Keeps cost the same to residents

• Increased employee safety by reducing lifting and proximity to trash

• Cleaner streets and stormwater systems

• Improved collections operations and efficiency

• Improved curb appeal on “trash day”

2. When will new trash carts be delivered?

Trash bins will be delivered throughout the week on March 31, 2025. Distribution is expected to take 1 week. Any households missed or requiring a cart swap will be addressed during the week of April 7, 2025.

3. Will the price change?

No. If your service level remains the same, the price will not change. Additional carts will be billed on an annual basis by Waste Management, not Indiana Borough.

4. What will I receive?

Residents will receive a 96-gallon cart delivered by Waste Management. Residents with disabilities or aged 62+ are eligible for a 35-gallon cart. Please contact Indiana Borough (724-465-6691), or see here for more information.

6. Can I order an additional cart?

Waste Management suggest that residents try using the single cart provided before requesting an additional cart. If it is determined that you need an additional cart, residents can contact WM directly at (866) 964-2729, option 4, use the key words "Service Change" for an additional trash container. Additional carts will be billed on an annual basis by WM. The price for 2025 is $117.70.  

7. Can I use the trash can I already have?

No. Waste Management will provide 96-gallon trash carts, and those carts must be used for collection. The WM trucks will not be compatible with other garbage cans and therefore the trash in those bins will not be collected. This will streamline the collection and provide a cleaner look around the Borough.

8. Does the trash cart belong to me?

No. The carts are assigned to the service address, not to the property owner / tenant. The new WM trash carts will stay with the property, not the homeowner or tenant, simplifying things when people move.

9. What can I do with my “old” trash can?

Waste Management will collect old bins as trash if you cannot repurpose your bin (storage, compost, watering barrel, taking recycling to the recycling center, sell/donate, etc.) Please label with “throw away my trashcan” and these will be collected as part of your normal trash service - residents will not have to wait until a bulk collection week.

10. Does everything need to be in a trash bag?

Yes. All trash must be bagged and fit inside the garbage cart to keep the truck and the environment clean.

11. I only have one small bag of trash; do I have to use the bin?

Yes. Trash needs to be inside the provided garbage carts.

12. What about cardboard boxes?

If possible, we encourage all residents to break down cardboard and take it to the recycling center (let them know that you're from the Borough!). If a trip to the recycling center is not feasible, please break down cardboard and place it inside your WM garbage cart. Loose items will not be collected. We are working on a drop-off solution within the Borough and will keep our residents updated on the progress!

13. When about other large items?

Waste Management will collect large, bulky items during the first full week of every month. Residents can place two (2) bulk items out each month. These will be collected on the same day as your regular trash collection.  

14. Does WM collect yard waste?

No. The Indiana Borough Public Works Department will collect limbs in the spring and leaves in the fall. Please check our website for specific dates. Limbs, leaves and yard clippings can always be dropped off at the recycling center. 

15. How is this better for the environment?

Under the previous system, there were many opportunities for trash bags to be compromised and scattered, whether by animals or during the collection process. Loose trash ends up on the street, in the neighbors’ yards, in storm drains, and in local waterways. The new process should clean up the entire process. Residents can continue to participate in our yard waste and recycling programs to continue to ease the impact on the environment. The new contract also provides residents with free access to Waste Management’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection to ensure that hazardous waste is properly disposed of. Learn more about hazardous waste / hard to dispose of items here.