A new rule applies to trash collections in Summit Hill.

Summit Hill Borough Council said the hauler, Casella Waste Systems Inc. of Vermont, will no longer pick up barrels.

The council said several complaints were received from individuals who had used barrels in the past either for ashes or trash, and that they’ve been left sitting at the curb unemptied.

Council President David Wargo said, “It’s a safety issue” and that this is a policy of the company.

The hauler for nearly five years was Tamaqua Transfer. Earlier this year, Summit Hill council approved a new, four-year contract with Tamaqua Transfer.

Shortly after the contract was signed, Tamaqua Transfer was sold to Casella Systems.

Larry Wittig, president of Tamaqua Transfer, said Casella Systems agreed to honor the contract agreed upon between the borough and the Tamaqua firm.

The new contract has forced the borough to increase residential garbage collection rates beginning in 2016. The new rate will be $120 per quarter.

Other business:

The council will hold a special meeting at 8 a.m. Monday to adopt the 2026 budget. The new budget calls for an increase of 3 mills in real estate taxes.

The council agreed to reduce the size of the voting members of the Recreation Commission from seven to five. The request was made by the commission, which said it sometimes is difficult to vote on matters because of the lack of a quorum.

The borough received two applications for a full-time position with the police department. The names will be passed onto the borough’s Civil Service Commission. The vacancy occurred because of the resignation of officer Brian Horos, effective Oct. 15.

The council approved a request from Terri Kane of the Summit Hill Hootenanny Committee to hold the 13th annual event on June 28, 2026, in Ludlow Park from approximately 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The committee was granted to use Ginder Field for parking, weather permitting.

A request from Lehighton Ambulance Association seeking financial support was rejected because the borough already has its budget made up for 2026 and no funds had been earmarked for the association.

A 2004 Ford F-550 dump truck with a plow was sold to Mark Krajcirik for $5,000. Bids had been solicited for the truck, and two offers were received. The other was from Family Motors of Lehighton for $3,157.

The council agreed to meet the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in 2026. The reorganization meeting of the council will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 5.