Council President Bruce Edwards said the ordinance was necessary to apply for a $350,000 recycling grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. He said if the grant is awarded, the borough plans to purchase a chipper machine, two new trucks, a leaf machine and a roll-on dumpster.
The ordinance requires waste containers to have handles and tight-fitting covers that do not exceed 50 pounds when filled. Disposable bags must be specifically designed for the storage of municipal waste and be securely closed. Bulky refuse must be securely tied in bundles not to exceed 60 inches-by 18 inches-by-18 inches.
Waste containers may not be placed for collection prior to midnight the day before collection, and must be removed no later than 8 p.m. on collection day.
Leaf waste will be collected seasonally, and must be separated in containers with tight-fitting covers or tied in bundles less than 5 feet in length.
Violators could pay fines of up to $1,000, and could be jailed up to 30 days for failure to pay.
Councilman Carl Liptak said the borough did not have a recycling ordinance and the previous trash ordinance dated to 1938.
Also at the meeting, council approved a motion to donate $500 to The Center for Excellence in Local Government at Albright College.
It also approved pool membership rates for the 2019 season: $75 for residents over 3 years old and $95 for non-residents. If purchased before May 20, there is a $5 discount per membership.