[ back ]
Decision due on single trash hauler for Russell
(by Joan Demirjian - February 10, 2010)
Decision due on single trash hauler for Russell
By JOAN DEMIRJIAN
After several months of discussion, Russell Trustees are nearing a vote on whether to move forward with contracting with one trash hauler for the township.
Trustees met with representatives of the Universal Disposal, Landmark and Waste Management trash-hauling companies last week to seek more information.
The idea has been promoted to save wear and tear on the roads from use by multiple haulers and trucks, as well as to save on costs for residents.
Following last week's meeting, Trustee James Mueller said the next step will be to hold another session, and then trustees should take a vote whether to pursue the issue.
"We're going to sort through the various issues," he said. A list of priorities will be set, and Mr. Mueller said he wants to take a vote on matter.
Trustees, along with residents, have been talking about the subject since last summer, he said. Other communities that have gone to one hauler have expressed satisfaction with the arrangement, and it would save township and residents money, Mr. Mueller said.
The township has the authority to do so, and it would be a service to residents, he said.
The question is whether the different services are feasible, such as bag-only service and curbside recycling, he said. "How do you meet the needs of a diverse community?" Mr. Mueller asked.
Curbside recycling is a key issue being considered. All three of the companies represented last week provide curbside recycling. How it would be done and how often would be up to the contract, according to the representatives.
Trustee Kristina Port said she now questions the idea of a single hauler for the township. When the suggestion for one hauler for the township was first presented, she believed it was a good idea to save on the roads, she said.
However, as more discussions took place, she has heard from residents who want the freedom to choose who they pay to haul their trash. Others do not have a service and the question is whether they can opt out.
Some have bag service, and some like using the recycling center at Kinsman (Route 87) and Chillicothe (Route 306) roads, Ms. Port said.
Some subdivisions already contract with a single hauler, she said. "People want a choice."
Ms. Port also questioned if there will be less wear and tear on roads with one hauler. Two trucks are needed anyway for trash pickup and recycling, she said. Curbside bins do not have lids, and she questioned if the items would blow around.
Some older residents could not carry out the recycling bins to the road, Ms. Port said.
A single trash hauler in conjunction with the existing recycling center in the township might be the way to go, she said. Another option might be for homeowner groups to contract with a hauler of their choice, Ms. Port said.
"I think it should be a ballot issue and residents should decide if they want a single carrier," she said. And if recycling is successful at the existing recycling center, "why provide it?" she asked.
In the discussion last week, Mr. Mueller said there is an opportunity for regionalism, such as working with South Russell Village, which also is looking at contracting with one hauler. He said he is looking to the future when there will be more aggregation of services.
Representatives of the firms said they would be interested, but could not price it without taking into account a variety of information, including miles involved.
Opinions on whether it should be up to residents to choose their own hauler are varied.
Resident Ben Kotowski said it is a hassle choosing a hauler, and he likes the idea of one hauler. One person does not have the bargaining power of the township, he said.
However, Ben Sustin said he would like to keep his own hauler. Saving the roads is a good idea, but it seems like there are more trucks than ever before, he said.
Mr. Mueller said, when he campaigned for election at the township recycling center, 80 percent of residents he questioned said they supported a single hauler.
As to the question of those who want to opt out of a service, Mr. Mueller said that is a matter that will be reviewed.
[ back ]
