Mr. Wayne Defo illustrated the deficiencies of the existing system, particularly the problems caused by plastic bags, and presented four alternative waste collection strategies. These included a control bid, minor tweaks to the current system, bulk reservation, and the implementation of a cart system. Defo highlighted that carts could enhance cleanliness, prevent litter, deter animals, and offer safety benefits for waste collection workers, in addition to potentially realizing cost savings for waste collection companies.

The council and community members engaged in a discussion about the frequency of garbage collection, with the council acknowledging that once-a-week pickup is standard in some New Jersey areas but may not suit all neighborhoods. The potential for overflow, rodent infestation, and the practicality of carts during extreme weather conditions and in hilly areas were among the concerns raised. In response, the council considered smaller cart sizes for residents with disabilities or the elderly and emphasized the importance of a grace period to ease the transition to the new system.

Business owners and residents voiced trepidations about the financial implications of the proposed changes, especially the added burden on small local businesses. The council debated the merits of charging for bulk pickup and the risk-reward trade-offs of town-managed versus contractor-managed waste. A business owner underscored the challenge of additional fees and taxes on small businesses, calling for township-wide support.

The discussion also covered the complexities of the bidding process for garbage pickup services. The council grappled with the number of bids received, the qualifications of the bidders, and the structure of the bid itself, including concerns about the legality of a menu structure and the potential for higher costs if bids were discarded, as had occurred in Patterson. The management of public waste receptacles, particularly in downtown areas, and the potential exclusion of some businesses from waste disposal services were additional points of contention.

Leaf and yard waste collection was another topic of confusion and concern among residents, with questions about the appropriate disposal methods and the timing of leaf collection. The consultant and health department director clarified the implications of eliminating bulk waste collection and the enforcement challenges that could arise.