SHARON – Sharon residents registered for the city’s free curbside pickup of electronics and other household hazardous waste could find the service put on hold.

City Manager Bob Fiscus said Environment Coordination Services and Recycling of Cochranton, which partnered with Sharon about two years ago to provide the service, notified the city of a rate increase at the beginning of last month.

The company informed city officials that it plans to increase the rate it charges Sharon from $1.30 per pound of waste to $2.50. Fiscus said the increased rate would add about $1,000 a month in surcharges for personnel and equipment on top of the current rate.

“Initially, they notified us that if we didn’t agree to the increase, they wouldn’t continue the the pickup,” Fiscus said. “They (continued pick up) in February, but there is no guarantee for March.”

Fiscus said city solicitor Bill Madden is evaluating the situation to determine if Environment Coordination Services and Recycling can legally raise rates mid-contract.

“Their original quote was very specific with all costs included,” Fiscus said. “I’m not sure if the mechanism is there or not for them to raise (rates) mid-contract.”

He added that passing the additional cost on to Sharon residents is not an option.

“Right now, the attempt would be to offset (the cost) within the city budget, but that’s easier said than done,” Fiscus said. “This is a service that we really want to continue with. We just have to find a way to pay for it or look for a different vendor to provide the service.”

Environment Coordination Services and Recycling defines household hazardous waste as leftover household products that require special care for disposal, including paint, cleaners, oils, batteries, pesticides, oils, televisions, computer monitors, cellphones and other handheld electronic devices.

The next pick up is scheduled for March 27, if the service continues.