Whitehall Township has decided it will collect delinquent garbage bills from property owners.

G. H. Harris Associates of Dallas, Luzerne County, had been collecting delinquent refuse bills from property owners. Harris recouped $195,000 in 2011 from property owners failing to pay despite receiving notices.

A list of delinquent bills was provided Harris after the Dec. 31 final due date.

The legislation adopted by the commissioners states if a property owner's garbage bill is unpaid by Dec. 31 of the calendar year, the amount owed will be assessed a 10-percent late fee.

Property owners delinquent with their accounts may pay the balance in full by Dec. 31 of the year in question, including the 10-percent penalty, without any further costs.

Should the bill remain unpaid after Dec. 31, an additional $35 is added to the base cost along with a 10-percent penalty.

The second option available is to pay the balance due, including the base cost, a 10-percent penalty and a late fee of $35, in consecutive monthly installments for an additional $10. The three equal monthly payments will be due on the 15th day of each month, beginning the subsequent February,

Landlords are assessed similarly. If the bill is not paid by Dec. 31 of the year in question, including a 10-percent penalty, another $35 is tagged onto the outstanding bill.

Landlords have the option to the base cost, penalty and late fee in consecutive monthly installments for an added $11 fee.

Township officials said staff will collect the delinquent garbage bill fees and this will result in savings.

Approximately 188 out of 8,000 garbage customers are delinquent yearly.

The property owners are sent a first and second notice regarding the unpaid account. If all efforts fail to collect the past due garbage bill fees, liens are filed at the county court. Collections take place when a property is sold or refinanced.