The Borough of Tamaqua's new trash hauler, County Waste of Tremont, is not just saving taxpayers' money with its new, low-cost contract. The company is also helping residents become better conservators of the planet through its recycling program.

The new contract, which went into effect on July 1, is saving taxpayers $75,000.It also calls for single-stream recycling, which will enable residents to put all of their recyclable material into one container instead of making separate trips to recycle newspaper and cardboard. New recycling containers will be delivered to each household before Aug. 1, according to Jonas Kreitzel of County Waste. The next pickup day for recycling will be Saturday, July 9.The company has two sizes of recycling containers and will be delivering the larger ones, 65 gallons, to its new customers. Once the containers have been delivered, residents who feel more comfortable with a smaller receptacle, similar to a 30-gallon trash can, may contact the company for an exchange.A request to change the trash collection schedule has been shelved for now. The company will continue with the schedule set up by the borough's last trash hauler. Also staying the same is the number of items residents will be able to place curbside: six trash receptacles, one bulky item and ashes.Due to the July 4 holiday, regular Monday pickup will be Tuesday.