Lehighton residents will in fact see their garbage rates double.

On a 6-0 vote, borough council on Monday awarded a five-year contract to Tamaqua Transfer and Recycling in the amount of $4,777,321 from 2024-2028. Councilman Darryl Arner was absent.

In November 2020, council awarded a three-year contract to Tamaqua Transfer and Recycling in the amount of $1,435,800 from 2021-2023.

Under the terms of the new pact, the rate will go from $25 a month to $50 a month. Collection will be once a week, with a start time of 3 a.m.

Council chose the option without new toters, which will save $150,000, as noted by Councilman Ryan Saunders.

“I like the thought of saving taxpayers $150,000,” Saunders said. “I prefer to save the taxpayers money.”

Larry Wittig, president and owner of Tamaqua Transfer, attended the meeting to answer any questions council had.

It was noted that neighboring Jim Thorpe’s garbage contract doubled.

Last month, Jim Thorpe Borough Council approved a five-year contract with Tamaqua Transfer in the amount of $4.61 million, more than double what it paid for its current deal, which runs out at the end of January.

That will raise the garbage portion of an average residential utility bill in Jim Thorpe from $25 per month to $51.60 per month.