Whitehall Township commissioners will have to choose a hauler in December.

Waste Management Inc. has been awarded the contract for the landfill where the refuse will be taken by the hauler. The second contract, recycling, was awarded to J.P. Mascaro & Sons. The third to be awarded, which has caused a stir, involves refuse pickups and whether to use the controversial toter/cart system proposed by Waste Management Inc., one of two haulers vying for the contract.

The commissioners were unable to reach a consensus Monday on whether to select J.P. Mascaro, the current hauler, or Waste Management.

Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr., a strong advocate for the toter/cart system, has asked a consultant to Palmer Township to address the commissioners on the toter/cart system, which Palmer uses. The system involves a truck using mechanical arms to pick up trash from identical toter/carts at each residence.

"Personally I like [refuse pickup] the way it is," Commissioner Gerard Palagonia said.

Commissioner Clair Hunsberger agreed.

"I'm still hoping someone could sway me one way or the other. I'm leaning to the change," said Commissioner Thomas Slonaker.

Commissioner Dennis Hower acknowledged some don't like change but added the toter/carts are easier to move because they have wheels.

Commissioners Vice Chairman Philip Ginder said he goes through West Catasauqua every day and sees streets that are narrow enough to make refuse pickup difficult.

"It's going to be messy," Ginder said.

Hozza said the plan in these areas is to move refuse pickup to the alleys. He also acknowledged there are areas in the township where the driver will have to get out and place the refuse in the truck without using the automated system.

Commissioners President Linda Snyder spoke up for seniors, saying, she wants "what's good for them, what they can afford. I don't want to hurt them."

Hozza said the first year savings of more than $400,000 on the landfill contract will allow a reduction in refuse collection fees in the third year. He also said there will be no limit to how much residents can put out for pickup.

"We have to do this sooner [rather] than later. All go to the system. It's coming. Here's the chance. Now's the time. It doesn't cost our residents any more money," said Commissioner Phillips Armstrong.

"I know all these streets," said Palagonia, a retired police officer. "I really don't think it's going to work."

"I think people should have something to say. Ask the people," Snyder said.

Armstrong said polls are not reliable because of many variables such as who is asked and the framing of the question.

Representatives of Mascaro and Waste Management also took the podium to again outline their positions on the issue.