This FAQ page has been put together to answer many of the questions that you may have. If you have more questions please call the Palmer Municipal Building (610) 253-7191 or email Zachary Trexler at ztrexler@palmertwp.com
To view the answer to the questions click on the tab and the answer box will open.
Smaller carts are available from time-to-time, but are reserved for the elderly, disabled or infirm. Keep in mind that extra bagged trash or larger items will not be accepted outside of the cart. Keeping the largest possible cart allows plenty of room for those small to medium size items or larger amounts that may result from entertaining or the holidays.
Residents, as long as they are recycling, rarely need more than one 96-gallon waste cart. Be sure to check the recyclables list. Make sure you are recycling all the materials you possibly can to maximize the room in your trash cart.
However, if you do have more trash than fits in the cart, you may request an additional cart by calling the Township office between the hours of 8:30pm and 4:30pm, and completing a cart order form. The fee for the additional cart will be provided at a cost of $250.00 each and covers the service and disposal costs for the extra waste and is subject to change at any time. The Township owns all carts. The carts must remain with the property if a resident moves to another location.
Additional recycling carts are available to purchase for $250.
If your cart is stolen, you must report it to the Palmer Police immediately. A stolen cart will be replaced free of charge if you provide a police case number.
Nationwide, communities report minimal theft due to being clearly embossed with the township name, the large size and the fact that they are traceable through the RFID tag.
If the collection truck caused the damage, we will replace the cart at no charge to you. If the cart is damaged due to neglect, abuse, mutilation or modification, you will be responsible for purchasing a replacement cart. Wheels, lids, and axles are normally replaced at no cost to the resident.
If your cart is damaged, notify Palmer Township at (610) 253-7191 for a replacement or repairs.
Assisted collection (door-to-curbside-and-back service) is available to those who may be elderly, disabled or infirm, as verified by your physician. Contact the municipal building for more information at 610-253-7191 x1100.
The automated truck arm has a reach of 6 feet. The arm requires 3 feet clearance around the cart for the lifting mechanism to work properly. Cars parked in front of or too close to the cart may prevent collection.
A different vehicle collects each item, so access is important. Also, the collection arm on the automated truck requires space to make the collection safely so that it will not tip over other containers or damage your property.
Emptying the carts under most weather circumstances should not be a problem. Certain weather emergencies may require a one-day delay of our waste and recycling collection. Collections for the remainder of the week will run one day behind schedule, with regular Friday collection being completed on Saturday. Information regarding this type of delay will be posted as soon as possible on www.palmertwp.com, Nixle Alert System, Channel 69 TV news, and on radio channels 96.1, 99.9, 100.7, 103.5.
Palmer Township does not allow containers to be at the curbside for collection other than from 7pm the day before collection day, to 7pm the day of the scheduled collection day. If you are aware of someone repeatedly leaving the containers out beyond these times, please contact the Palmer Municipal Building at (610) 253-7191.
No, our collection vehicles will collect ONLY Palmer Township’s containers.
Various items can be disposed of or recycled curbside as follows:
Click here to view yard waste options.
Click here to view yard waste options.
Do not place food waste, mirrors, ceramics, windows or any glass other than bottles, light bulbs, films, plastic wrap, or plastic bags or Styrofoam of any kind into your recycling container.
Yes, rinsing is recommended to keep food contamination out and our carts sanitary and clean.
Items such as cereal and shoe boxes can now simply be dropped into the cart. Cardboard boxes may need to be flattened or broken down to release easily from the cart when emptying. Cardboard jammed in too tightly can prevent complete emptying of your cart.
No. All waste or recycling must be placed inside the recycling or waste carts. Trash left in bags or other types of containers or carts, other than Palmer Township’s specific carts, will not be collected.
It is most efficient and economical for our trucks to make stops for full, or nearly full carts. Also, it improves air quality when trucks don’t have to make unnecessary stops. If your cart is not full and you feel you can wait until the next collection cycle, please do not put your cart out.
Yes, all trash should be bagged before it is put in the cart. Bagging helps keep your cart clean and reduces windblown litter. We will not pick up litter blown out of the carts.
The PA CDRA Act effective January 24, 2013, prohibits landfills and other solid waste disposal facilities from accepting items such as televisions, computers, hard drives, monitors, keyboards, printers or other type of components.
click here.
Latex paint is not hazardous when dry. Small amounts can be allowed to dry in can. Larger amounts should be poured into an absorbent material such as kitty litter or shredded paper and allowed to dry. Once dry they can be placed in your trash.
Oil-based paint stains, and varnishes are hazardous and should not be placed in your waste cart. These items should be taken to a Northampton County Household Hazardous Waste Collection event.
Small dead animals can be double bagged and placed in your waste cart.