Whitehall Township is moving forward with a new recycling program, which the board of commissioners hopes will save money compared to the old residential garbage hauling contract.

Commissioners decided at Monday night's workshop meeting they will vote July 13 on purchasing 65-gallon containers for recycling. If passed, the township's 8,100 households will begin using larger, wheeled containers in October.

Calling the new containers "single stream," Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. said residents would be allowed to place cans, glass bottles, plastic containers, cardboard and newspapers in the one container that can then be wheeled out to the curb.

Hozza said the state reimbursement to the township for additional recycling tonnage could later benefit households by eventually lowering their refuse collection bills.

Whitehall Township residents pay a $330 annual fee per household for refuse and recycling collection.

The new rolling containers would be free to township residents.

Commissioners Philip Ginder and Thomas Slonaker said they agreed with the new program but were concerned about the size of the cart, noting a 45-gallon container may be better suited for seniors. Hozza said the smaller containers would not be immediately available for seniors but could be added to the program later.