Politics & Government

Bulk Trash Fee Due Date Extended

Homeowners now given 60 days to pay $25 fee for bulk trash pickup.

The Lawrence Township Council voted last week to extend the due date for homeowners to pay the newly enacted $25 bulk trash fee from 30 days to 60 days, according to centraljersey.com.

An amendment to the bulk waste collection fee ordinance will also give residents a 10-day grace period before interest is added to any unpaid bills, the report said.

The bulk trash fee ordinance, which was approved late last year, created a mandatory annual fee for residential property owners to have bulk trash items hauled away – whether or not they use the service.

The service includes the collection of bulk items that are too large to fit into township-issued trash carts, including so-called “white goods” like washers, dryers and refrigerators. 

Failure to pay the bulk trash fee would be handled under the law in the same manner as a property owner not paying taxes – the owner would face late fees and interest and, eventually, have a lien placed against their property.

The township faced vehement opposition to the ordinance when it was passed, as opponents of the decision accused the council of using the bulk trash fee as a way of skirting the two percent tax cap after voters rejected a referendum for a 9-cent tax increase in 2012. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here