Tax Storm Ahead: Lower Saucon Residents Face Steep Property Tax Increases if Bethlehem Landfill Shuts Down
Press Release
Tax Storm Ahead: Lower Saucon Residents Face Steep Property Tax Increases if Bethlehem Landfill Shuts Down
New Study Warns of Sharp Tax Increases and Service Cuts Without Landfill Expansion
BETHLEHEM,PA, May, 16, 2025 - Lower Saucon families could soon be facing painful financial decisions. A newly released study reveals that if the Bethlehem Landfill closes in 2028 without expansion, local property owners may be hit with significant tax increases. This devastating shift would result from the Township's loss of approximately $2.8 million annually in landfill host fees—funding that currently keeps residents’ taxes low and public services strong.
The analysis was conducted by Susquehanna Accounting & Consulting Solutions(SACS), an independent and widely trusted consulting firm that serves municipalities throughout the Commonwealth.
The study projects that residents will face steep tax increases, shrinking financial reserves, and cuts to essential services starting as soon as one year after the landfill’s closure.
Urgent Findings from the Landfill Closure Study:
- The landfill will reach capacity in 2028 without expansion
- Starting in 2029, the Township faces annual budget deficits
- Cash reserves will be exhausted leaving no backup for emergencies
- To fill the budget hole, property taxes would need to rise sharply just to maintain basic services
- To fully replace the lost revenue from the host fee, the township would need to raise property taxes by 6.06 mills — increasing the current rate from 4.24 mills to 10.3 mills.
- For a home assessed at $175,000, this equals a $1,060 annual increase
In stark contrast, the proposed Phase V Expansion would:
- Generate over $63 million in new revenue for the Township
- Create an opportunity for a property tax cut
- Increase host fees to $11/ton for municipal waste and $13.75/ton for residual waste
What You Can Do
Do not wait until your next tax bill skyrockets. Residents are urged to get informed, ask questions, and let your elected officials know your opinion.
About Bethlehem Landfill
Bethlehem Landfill Company is a local landfill providing communities with environmentally safe and efficient waste disposal services in the Lehigh Valley. Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Bethlehem Landfill is part of the Waste Connections family of companies. Our commitment to environmental protection and innovation sets us apart from other companies and we strive to be a sustainable resource for the region. As a trusted neighbor, our team is dedicated to creating solutions that benefit both our customers and the planet, always with an eye towards creating a sustainable future.
The full study can be found here.
