Recycling: Still have questions about the new COG refuse contract? Here’s what to know
We have been inundated with questions regarding the new Centre Region Council of Government's refuse contract that will begin in April 2025. Although the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority will not be collecting the trash, we will be responsible for the billing so are trying to help residents better understand the new contract.
The COG does have a very detailed FAQ on their website that covers many questions about the contract. It can be found at www.crcog.net .
I wanted to highlight a few of the more popular questions that we have been receiving at the office. If you do not see your question below, please visit the website above. As a reminder, this new contract will only affect residents of Benner, College, Ferguson, Harris and Patton townships.
Q: Why did the COG change haulers?
The current refuse contract in the COG runs from 2020-2025. Pennsylvania law allows Class 2 townships to have a contract with a refuse hauler for a maximum of five years and requires a competitive procurement process for any municipal contracts over $23,200. The COG received two proposals through the competitive Request for Proposals process. Both proposals included similar services (automated cart collection and bulk waste limited to two items twice each year). Only Burgmeier's (winning contractor) proposal included the collection of bulk recyclables (appliances, electronics and tires), Christmas tree collection, and the collection of extra items or excess refuse every week. Combining the services from Burgmeier's and billing through the CCRRA gave the COG the lowest monthly costs for residents.
Q: Who is the new hauler?
Burgmeier's Hauling is a family-owned company based in Altoona. They provide waste hauling collection services in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Maryland. They have been in the refuse and recycling business for 46 years and have strong commitments to customer service, innovation and sustainability within the solid waste sector.
Q: Why do I need a new refuse cart?
Residents will need to use the hauler-provided carts during the next contract as they are compatible with the new automated collection trucks. Refuse carts will be delivered to residences in the first quarter of 2025. This cart is provided free of charge and residents have until Sept. 30 to pick the cart size that works best for them.
Q: What are the cart sizes?
The 95-gallon cart holds 6 fully filled garbage bags. The 65-gallon cart holds 4 fully filled garbage bags. The 35-gallon cart holds 2 fully filled garbage bags. You can see these carts in person before deciding. Check the COG website for details.
Q: What do I need to do now?
Register and choose your cart size by visiting www.burgmeiers.com/cogcarts or by calling 814-943-8975. Remember to make your cart selection by Sept. 30 or you will receive the 95-gallon cart as a default.
Q. Who can I contact for more information?
The Centre Region COG Refuse and Recycling Program will answer your questions and hear your concerns. They can be reached by email at or by phone at 814-234-7198.
Amy Schirf is education coordinator for the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority. at
