Polk Township sets new list of items accepted for recycling

Every year the Polk Township supervisors review the list of items that will be accepted at the recycling and solid waste transfer station. This year the list has been amended to exclude some electronics.

In a resolution passed Monday, supervisors agreed that certain items could not be left at the transfer station, but could be disposed of by the residents at the Monroe County Municipal Waste Management Authority at 183 Commercial Blvd. in Blakeslee. The items no longer being accepted include televisions, computer monitors and laptop computers.

The transfer station still accepts radios, computer towers, surge protectors, drives, telephones, printers, fax machines, keyboards, mouse controllers, power strips and other similar items.

For a complete list of solid waste and recycling items, see the Polk Township website.

The supervisors also agreed to amend the township’s open burning ordinance to exclude the burning of leaves and brush. In addition, all large burns must be reported and scheduled through the Polk Township Volunteer Fire Company.

This year the township will pursue grants for the transfer station, including upgrading the baler, a forklift and a loading dock.

Other business

A replacement for the 9.5-foot Western snowplow was approved. The current plow is causing snow to blow back into the engine compartment of the truck, causing the truck to overheat and slowing down the job of the driver.

The supervisors agreed to purchase a 10-foot SnowDogg plow at $2,925 with a trade-in of the 9.5-foot Western.

Chairman Brian Ahner, who also serves as the township’s salaried roadmaster, will look into the cost of a 10-foot Western plow before making the purchase of the new plow.

The supervisors agreed to begin civil action on two properties in the township where residents have ignored letters sent to them for code violations.

One of the properties has junk vehicles and the other completed a building addition without a permit.

Repairs to the Middle Creek Bridge will begin as soon as the weather permits. The bridge was damaged in an auto accident last year. The cost of the repairs is being paid for by for by the insurance company.

The township has reluctantly accepted that it owns the stone bridge on Dorshimer Road.

Supervisors agreed to accept a proposal from McMahon and Associations to inspect and prepare a report on the condition of the 8.5-foot bridge. The cost of the inspection is $2,380 plus up to $300 in expenses.

Ahner said that the bridge will most likely be weight restricted after the inspection. The township will apply for grants to make any repairs needed to the bridge.

The board approved the new Teamsters contract, which will go into effect on Feb. 1.