Trash hauler threatens lawsuit against Ridley Park over contract termination

Ridley Park is facing a potential lawsuit from Raymond T. Opdenaker and Sons Inc., the former trash hauler, after the borough terminated their contract a year early. Borough Manager Trish Hollabaugh received a letter from the company’s lawyers alleging a breach of the 2023 waste hauling agreement. The borough ended the contract, expecting to save up to $275,000 annually, by entering into an agreement with Ridley Township to handle trash collection.

According to a letter from Lamb McErlane PC, the agreement with Ridley Township was not compliant with state intergovernmental cooperation law and improperly superseded the existing contract with Opdenaker. The company claims the termination has caused financial harm and is requesting either reinstatement of the contract or $2 million in compensation to cover its remaining value. They dispute the borough’s claim regarding a lack of notification, stating that strict enforcement had been mutually waived.

Despite the threat, a borough official, speaking anonymously, expressed confidence that the case lacked merit. A request for comment from the borough solicitor, Ron Kolla, went unanswered. The initial decision to switch haulers was made in October, with then-council President Dane E. Collins stating it would save taxpayers nearly $275,000 and improve waste collection efficiency.

(Source：Delcotimes)