Borough officials discuss viability of refuse tagging requirements

Two residents’ fees waived for untagged trash

LEWISTOWN -- Residents of Lewistown Borough may no longer have to purchase trash tags or stickers due to issues that are costing residents and the Borough both time and money.

During Lewistown Borough's meeting Wednesday, David Aldaz who co-owns the old Lewistown Hotel -- which now provides 22 apartments for families -- addressed a $1,600 outstanding trash bill he says he should not be held responsible for.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, council members agreed that Aldaz cannot be held financially responsible for individual tenants who do not comply with the refuse tagging system. Members stated that Aldaz, who rents a dumpster for his apartment complex, should not continue to pay fees in addition to existing dumpster rental costs.

Aldaz will not pay the most recent $1,600 amount because council members waived his fee. Members also waived a $300 fee for a resident at 314 Valley Street who received a similar bill for untagged trash bags.

According to the Borough Council, refuse tags cost the borough around $12,000 each year.

Residents currently pay $2 per tag and more for stickers to denote large items. The borough council members shared that multiple residents have expressed their frustration over the refuse tagging system.

Other council members raised concern that eliminating tags would increase the amount of garbage due to out-of-town friends and family wanting to bring their trash to Lewistown if they happened to miss their garbage night.

Council members made plans to further discuss canceling the continuation of the refuse tagging and stickering system. This discussion will resume at

5 p.m. on July 20 at the municipal building during the council's law and ordinance committee meeting.

Updates on this waste management matter will follow as the council decides what direction to take the argument to end tagging and stickering.