Q: How do I schedule the collection of additional refuse not provided for under the subscription level of refuse collection?
A: Bulky items and large appliances may not be placed out for regular refuse collection. You may obtain a Special "pick-up" application at the Public Works Department on the third floor in the Township Administration Building, 75 E Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, at the Public Works Complex, 1300 N Woodbine Avenue, Penn Valley or by download here (PDF). There will be an additional charge for this collection based on the amount or size of the item. You can save the pick up fee by bringing these items or additional refuse beyond your subscription level to the Public Works Complex where you will only be charged a disposal fee.
Bulky items, large appliances and other items normally collected with a special pickup are:
Air Conditioner
Antenna (TV)
Auto Parts (150 lb. limit)
Barbeque Grill
Bath Tub
Bed Frame
Bicycle
BoxSpring
Cabinets
Carpet (rolled)
Chair
Couch or Sofa
Dehumidifier
Dishwasher
Dryer
Doors
Downspouting
Freezer (door removed)
Golf Clubs
Lawn Furniture |
Laundry Tubs
Luggage or Trunk
Lawn Mower
Metal (misc.)
Mattress
Padding (rolled)
Playground Equipment (dismantled)
Pipes
Plaster
Refrigerator (doors removed)
Radiator
Stove
Sink
Toilet or Commode
Toys
Trash Can(s)
Washer
Water Heater
Wood (over 3 ft. long) |
Items other than those listed above may be subject to non-collection, in which case the fee for Special pick-up will be refunded.
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Q: How do I obtain a Solicitors Permit
A: You may download the application for the solicitor permit located under the Permits and Forms section.
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Q: What are the costs associated with a Solicitor Permit
A: There is a $150.00 fee per applicant. Payable in the form of cash or check only. The check is to be made out to the Township of Lower Merion.
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Q: What is required for the Solicitor Permit
A: The completed application, two passport photos, a copy of a verifiable form of government identification (Drivers License or Passport) and the application fee.
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Q: How long does the solicitor permit application process take
A: The turn around time from the submission of the application to the permit actually being issued is between 7 to 10 business days. The permit must be picked up by the individual on the application itself.
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Q: Who must obtain a Solicitors Permit
A: A solicitors permit is required for anyone canvasing the township offering services, wares or goods for sale. Exemptions for the permit requirement are as follows; This article shall not apply to boys or girls under 16 years of age who take orders for and deliver newspapers, greeting cards, candy and the like for schools or school-related associations or scholarships, or who represent the Boy Scout and Girl Scout or similar organizations and take orders for and deliver cookies and the like, nor to any person who works for an organization which has registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State, as required by that statute known as the "Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act,"as amended from time to time, or which is exempt from such registration.
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Q: How do I become a member of the Belmont Hills or the Ardmore Avenue Pool?
A: Contact the Parks & Recreation Department office at 610-645-6220 or go to the Pool Information page for more information.
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Q: How do I get a permit to use a Picnic Area or a Ball Field?
A: To get a permit for Picnic Areas and Ball Fields, Lower Merion residents must complete an Application for Use of Township Property (PDF). Please See Fee Schedule for appropriate fee. Payment must be received with the application to reserve the date, time and location.
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Q: What is offered at the Bala Gym?
A: The Bala Gym is located on Bala Avenue in Bala Cynwyd. The facility can be used for basketball, volleyball or children's parties. No food is permitted in the facility. To get a permit, Lower Merion Residents must complete an Application for Use of Township Property (PDF). Please See Fee Schedule for appropriate fee.
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Q: Where can I get program information?
A: Program information can be obtained through our seasonally Program Brochure or by calling the Parks & Recreation Department at 610-645-6220.
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Q: Can I barbecue in Township Parks?
A: Yes, you may bring your own Grill to the park, but all charcoal must be full extinguished and disposed of properly.
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Q: Are there any lighted tennis or basketball courts?
A: Vernon V. Young Park at Ardmore and Spring Avenues in Ardmore from April through November 15.
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Q: Are there any swimming pools in the Township?
A: Yes, Ardmore and Belmont Hills. Contact the Parks & Recreation Department office at 610-645-6220 or go to the Pool Information page for more information.
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Q: Are there any street / roller hockey courts?
A: Yes, at Lewis Smith Park located on Mary Waters Ford Road behind Belmont Hills swimming pool. Open 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. daily.
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Q: How can I make my opinion on this topic known to the Township?
A:
- We encourage citizens to participate and provide input at public meetings.
- In addition, please reach out to your Commissioner and let them know your preferences.
- If you prefer to communicate using e-mail, the Township has set up a special address to share your thoughts directly with our staff study team. Please e-mail staff at: solidwastecollection@lowermerion.org.
- Our Public Works Department can also answer any questions or address any concerns you may have. Please call (610) 645-6150
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Q: What items can I recycle?
A: Recyclables include commingled items, mixed paper, and textiles. Commingled items include green, brown and clear glass; #1 through #7 plastics; and metal and bi-metallic food and beverage cans. You may have lids on these items. Place your commingled items in the yellow recycling bin supplied by the Township.
Mixed paper includes newspapers, magazines, catalogs, "junk mail", telephone books, notebooks and school papers (including spiral bound books), soft and hardback books and textbooks, shopping and pet food bags (without plastic liners), chipboard packaging (including nonperishable food boxes), beer and soda cartons and six-pack packaging, cracker, cake and cereal boxes (without plastic pouches or inserts). Mixed paper is to be tied or placed in brown kraft-type paper bags next to your recycling bin.
Corrugated cardboard is also accepted. Cardboard boxes must be broken down to 4' x 4' x12".
Textiles consist of clothing and fabric. Textiles are not collected by Township crews. They can, however, be taken to the Township’s recycling drop-off center located at the entrance to the Robert J. Koegel Public Works Complex, 1300 Woodbine Avenue, Penn Valley.
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Q: What is the penalty for parking violations?
A: Vehicles parked in violation will receive parking tickets, which carry a fine of $20.00. Violations in the Lower Merion High School zone are $30.00. Failure to respond to a ticket will result in increased fines and costs. Duplicating, counterfeiting or altering permits will result in a fine not to exceed $600.00 and revocation of the permit, as mandated by Lower Merion Township Code 145-23. For Further Information: Parking Services Department 610-645-6230.
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Q: How long is the process to receive a resale certificate?
A: It takes thirty to sixty days for a property owner to receive a certificate verifying that sidewalks and curbs are in good condition, house numbers are displayed visible from the street and smoke detectors are installed. The fee is $70.00 if application is received 20 or more days prior to settlement. The fee is $115.00 if application is received 20 or fewer days prior to settlement. Property owners must complete a Property Resale Certification Application that can be obtained from the Building Department or may be downloaded here.
Property Resale Certification Application (PDF)
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Q: By how much will my fees increase?
A: This answer depends on the level of service you subscribe to receive. Please review the following information carefully to help you make an informed decision.
This chart outlines the different fees to be charged. The basic one-container subscription will increase by $62 annually, from $192 to $254. Each additional container will cost an additional $50.
If you currently place your refuse/recycling for collection at the curb, no further fees will be incurred.
| Solid Waste Fee Subscriptions |
2009 Fees |
2010 Fees |
Annual Increase |
| New 1 Mini-Can(20-gallon container) |
n/a |
$179 |
n/a |
| 1 Container
|
$192 |
$254 |
$62 |
| 2 Containers |
$262 |
$304 |
$42 |
| 3 Containers |
$322 |
$354 |
$32 |
| 4 Containers |
$322 |
$404 |
$82 |
| 5 Containers |
$322 |
$454 |
$132 |
| 6 Containers |
$514 |
$504 |
$(10) |
| 7 Containers |
$584 |
$554 |
$(30) |
| 8 Containers |
$644 |
$604 |
$(40) |
| Rear Yard Collection Fee |
n/a |
$200 |
$200 |
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Q: Why are my fees going to change?
A: Solid Waste Fees in Lower Merion Township have remained the same for ten years.
The Township’s General Fund, or GF, has subsidized the cost to provide solid waste collection service for many years. After months of public discussion on this topic, the Board of Commissioners voted to eliminate the GF subsidy and adjust fees to achieve full-cost recovery for this service. These changes take effect on January 4, 2010.
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