Lawrence Park Township – Waste Services FAQ

Here is a list of frequently asked questions the Township has received about the new trash and recycling contract beginning January 1, 2026. We will continue to update this page as new questions arise.

  1. Why is there a change in provider and price?

The Township’s current waste collection contract ends on December 31, 2025. To secure the best possible rate, Lawrence Park joined the Erie Council of Governments (COG) in a regional joint bidding process. This allowed us to benefit from the buying power of larger municipalities.

Three bids were received:

  • Nobel Environmental: $171.00 per quarter (base unlimited service)
  • Waste Management (WM): $97.29 per quarter
    • Optional cart rental: $8.01 per cart per quarter
  • Pro Waste: $97.50 per quarter
    • Optional cart rental: $12.50 per cart per quarter (carts required)

While WM and Pro Waste were close in price, WM offered more resident-friendly options:

  • No cart rental requirement (use your own bins, carts, or bags)
  • Recycling included in the base price
  • Bulk item pickup included
  • 10% discount for residents age 65+

For these reasons, WM was awarded the contract by the Lawrence Park Board of Commissioners.

  1. What are the prices with the senior discount?

The senior discount applies to all residents 65 years and older. It reduces the total bill by 10%. Prices are approximate; WM will provide exact billing.

Service Type Under 65 Over 65 (10% discount)
Unlimited service, no cart rental $97.29 $87.56
Unlimited service + 1 rented cart $105.30 $94.77
Unlimited service + 2 rented carts $113.31 $101.98

 

  1. Do I have to rent a cart?

No. Residents may use any combination of containers they already own — trash cans, bins, totes, or bags. Cart rental is completely optional. WM does not require specialized or branded containers.

  1. How does recycling work?

WM uses single-stream recycling, meaning all recyclables go in the same container. Please note:

  • Recyclables must be loose in the container — not in bags.
  • Containers do not need to be WM-branded. You may use any sturdy bin.
  • The container should be clearly marked “Recycling” so it is not confused with trash (blue bins are recommended)
  1. Why am I not yet a Waste Management customer if I call them and how do they get my information?

Residents will not appear in WM’s system until the first bills are issued in January 2026.

  • WM obtained a list of every household and mailed bills and pamphlets to each property owner and address.
  • If you are a renter who will be responsible for Waste Management billing, you will need to contact WM directly and work with your landlord to ensure correct billing.
  • The first bill will include a Customer ID Number.
  • This ID is required when calling WM customer service and when setting up online services on WM’s website.
  • Until then, please direct questions to the Township (see contact info below).
  1. What is the purpose of the Township’s online registration portal?

The Township set up an early registration portal to make the transition smoother for residents. By registering before November 30, 2025, residents can:

  • Have their 10% senior discount applied starting with the very first bill.
  • Ensure that any rented carts are delivered before the first January pickup.

All information collected by the Township will be forwarded directly to WM at the end of November.

  1. How do I complete the Township’s online registration?

Visit: www.lawrenceparktwp.org/wm-information
If you have trouble:

Township staff has already helped dozens of residents register and are happy to assist you.

  1. Can I use my own bins or bags?

Yes. Residents may continue to use:

  • Their own trash cans or bins
  • Bags placed curbside (included in unlimited service)
  • Or WM rental carts if preferred

Unlimited service covers any combination of these options.

  1. What is the per-bag service model?

WM offers an alternative per-bag service for residents who generate very little trash.

  • Residents must use special WM-branded bags.
  • Each bag costs $10.79.
  • You are billed only for the bags collected.
  • To enroll, you must call WM directly after receiving your first bill in January 2026.

This option may be best for single residents or very low-waste households.

  1. How does hazardous material pickup work?

Hazardous material (such as paint, electronics, or chemicals) cannot go in regular trash or recycling. WM provides a separate scheduling service for these pickups.

  • Additional information will be mailed or emailed by WM.
  • Residents will schedule pickup dates directly with WM.
  1. Who do I contact with questions right now?

Until you receive your first bill from WM in January 2026, all questions should be directed to the Township:

After January, once you have your Customer ID Number, you may call WM directly for billing and service issues.