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Single trash hauler sought for Russell
(by Joan Demirjian - November 12, 2008)
Single trash hauler sought for Russell
By JOAN DEMIRJIAN
Russell Trustees are seeking a way to reduce the wear and tear of rubbish-hauling trucks using township roads. They also are considering lowering the cost of trash pickup to residents.
They will meet with trash haulers and with Geauga-Trumbull Solid Waste Management District officials to review options for contracting with one company to do pickups in the township.
"It appears residents could save up to 50 percent each by having one hauling contract for the township," Trustee James Dickinson said.
And there is a big advantage to the township with fewer rubbish-hauling trucks on the roads, he said. There is great value in not having trucks from different companies picking up every day, Mr. Dickinson said.
He said he recently attended a meeting of South Russell Village Council in which they discussed contracting for a single hauler. South Russell is looking at issues of public safety and reducing traffic volume, Mr. Dickinson said.
The township would have to advertise for bids on the service, he said, and curbside recycling could be included.
Residents are paying from $30 to $50 a month for rubbish hauling and could save on costs with a single hauler for the township, Mr. Dickinson said.
Trustee Kristina Port said she wants to know what prompted South Russell to look into a single hauler. "I'd like to review this," she said.
Trustee James Mueller, who originally proposed that the township look into a single-hauler system, said, "It's within the township's authority to go out for bid and contract with someone.
"There's money to be saved by residents. Bids could come in at 60 percent of what they are paying now." Mr. Mueller said curbside recycling could be included in the contract.
Fewer rubbish trucks on the roads would reduce the carbon footprint on the environment and save fuel, he said. With multiple haulers serving township residents, roads are being damaged by the heavy trucks, Mr. Mueller said. And with three different haulers now, there are trash containers by the road three or four days a week, he said. "I think we'll end up with a more eco-friendly system."
Chester Township looked into the possibility of a single trash hauler, but residents wanted to keep their own contractors, Mr. Mueller said.
Holland Township and Newton Falls, a municipality, both contract for rubbish pickup, he said.
The township would still hold its recycling of paints and solvents and its tire pickup.
Russell Road Superintendent Gene Layne said one contractor would reduce the truck traffic on township roads. He sees the damage from the trucks, he said.
In the winter, when his crews are plowing the roads, they see the number of trash containers in the right of way, he said. Drivers sometimes have to get out of the truck to move them, Mr. Layne said. If it is one hauler, instead of three or four on one day, there would be fewer trash containers, he said. "It's a battle of the snowplow vs. the garbage container."
The damage to the roads is the biggest problem, Mr. Layne said. "They push the pavement when they stop."
Mr. Dickinson said he would like to have some companies meet with trustees to "tell us if it is feasible."
They might first contract for rubbish pickup and then add the curbside recycling, he said.
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