For over an hour, nearly 30 residents spoke with Upper Milford Township Supervisors July 6 about their concerns over trash and recycling collection.

The past week brought them an unexpected challenge when they received a letter, dated June 22, from hauler A. J. Blosenski Inc. announcing an end to residential waste and recycling service, effective July 19.

Residents spoke of trying to reach out to other haulers to try and find a quick solution. Many indicated that since the letter had been sent out, trash, but not recycling goods, had been collected.

Jack Thomas, who resides in a development carved out of the Borough of Emmaus, explained 77 homes are being affected by Blosenski’s decision.

He and his neighbors have perused the township’s website to contact haulers. They are also toying with the idea of hiring one hauler for their development.

One resident asked about the possibility of the township revisiting the idea of hiring one common carrier, rather than the current six carriers. Concerns of collusion, with examples of issues which have arisen in Macungie and Emmaus, were discussed.

Costs of hauling garbage and recyclables are seen as a key factor on both sides. Residents highlighted the fact some carriers are having staffing issues and do not see expanding into the township as something which is economically viable.

The biggest question of the evening was what will happen after July 19. The discussion began with Jessica Reynolds asking the supervisors, “Where do we go with our trash?” Going through the pros and cons of each carrier servicing the township, Reynolds told them she did not know where to go in a couple of weeks, either with her garbage or her recycling.

A resident mentioned it had been four weeks since recycling had been picked up in their area and this was becoming a waste hazard.

Township Secretary/Treasurer Jessi O’Donald went over with everyone what the township had been doing since Blosenski’s announcement.

She started by saying, “We have gotten multiple complaints.”

O’Donald confirmed having reached out to Blosenski for answers. She also contacted Whitetail Disposal Inc.

“Whitetail is adding residents to their service and said they would be adding Little Lehigh Acres to their service area. I have also reached out to Diamond Disposal, Simon Sanitation and Berger Sanitation to see if they are interested in expanding into the township. We are waiting on phone calls,” O’Donald explained.

O’Donald provided her own personal experience of living in an area serviced by a single hauler. She made the point she does not get to choose the carrier or the price.

In the meantime, if a new hauler cannot be found before July 19, Township Manager Bud Carter said, “We are looking into having dumpsters available for those that still have garbage that wasn’t collected by Blosenski and it would be a very limited time, if needed at the yard waste facility.”

The township is keeping their website updated on the situation. They are also inviting residents to provide feedback with an online survey at uppermilford.net.