Allison Musante

By: centraljersey.com
WEST WINDSOR – A new solid waste collection contract will save the township more than half of a million dollars over five years and promote sustainable practice in the township, Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh announced.
The mayor said last week that after reviewing two bid proposals, the township awarded a $466,193 contract to Waste Management of New Jersey Inc. of Ewing. It will save about $126,000 in the first year, and about $535,000 over five years, he said, over the previous provider of the past five years, Central Jersey Waste & Recycling.
Mayor Hsueh said the substantial cost savings was the primary reason for switching from Central Jersey, which had bid $511,504 for the contract. As an added benefit, township officials also negotiated that the collection trucks use bio-diesel fuel, a low carbon alternative made from vegetable oil or animal fat.
"I think this is a very good deal," the mayor said. "In West Windsor, we try to do what we can to push for green design and reduction of our carbon footprint."
He explained that there are about 7,013 residential units in the township, and each household costs $5.34 per month for waste collection, or $64 per year. The township will save about $12 per year, per household under the new contract, not including disposal costs paid to the Mercer County Improvement Authority.
The formal agreement will go into effect on Feb. 1, with the option to renew annually for four additional years through Jan. 31, 2016. Services will remain as one pickup per week with two pickups per week during the summer months. Dumpster pickups will be covered by township facilities and designated residential and recreational areas.
Mayor Hsueh said the township has a history of employing alternative methods of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, such as using hybrid vehicles for its code enforcement department, building solar panels on the street lights, encouraging energy efficient lighting at its businesses, and improving bicycle and pedestrian access.