Utility Providers in Allentown, NJ

Allentown is very serious about curb appeal. The SWEEP (Solid Waste Education and Enforcement Program) officers patrol neighborhoods to ensure trash is only put out after 4:00 p.m. the night before collection and that bins are moved back by 8:00 a.m. the day after. If you leave your bins on the sidewalk too long or have a “dirty sidewalk” in front of your home, you will likely find a bright ticket on your door.

You’ll see Service Electric trucks everywhere. The company was founded here in the Lehigh Valley by John Walson, who is credited with inventing cable TV. While they are a “local” provider, they offer competitive high-speed internet and are often the only choice for certain legacy wired buildings in the city core.

When a snow emergency is declared, you must move your car off designated Snow Emergency Routes. To help residents, the Allentown Parking Authority typically opens city parking decks (like the ones on Hamilton or Linden St.) for free parking until the emergency is lifted. If you stay on the street, you will be towed to the impound lot on South 4th Street.

Allentown’s water is primarily sourced from the Little Lehigh Creek and several deep wells. While the management was leased to the Lehigh County Authority (LCA) for 50 years, the water itself remains high-quality. However, because of the city’s limestone geography, the water is “hard,” so you may notice white scale buildup on your faucets or need a bit more detergent for your laundry.

If you have old electronics, chemicals, or tires from your move, head to the Recycling Drop-off Center at 1401 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. It is open 24/7 for standard recyclables, but they also host specific “Household Hazardous Waste” events that are essential for residents moving into older homes with leftover paint or chemicals in the basement.

Most residential customers in the “City Division” are billed every three months rather than every month. This can lead to a larger-than-expected bill if you aren’t prepared. A local “Knowledgeable Neighbor” tip: Check your meter monthly and set aside a small amount of money so the quarterly LCA bill doesn’t catch you off guard during the holidays.