Trash hauler concept rolls on

Several steps to implementation of proposal, potentially next year

The citywide single trash hauler idea is moving to the next step in Chardon.

City Council on Feb. 22 approved sending the proposal to its Service Committee to work with the city manager on developing bid specifications.

However, the prospect is far from a done deal. The first committee meeting is anticipated in March.

“It may take several meetings, and we will want public input before deciding to proceed,” Committee Chairman Andrew Blackley said. “We will look at what other cities have done in a similar situation and, if we proceed, we will put together bid specifications and then advertise for bids, probably for a contract starting in 2019.”

Council made the decision after receiving input from Waste Management representative Vince Crawford on items for consideration, such as whether to include recycling and what items, bulk collection, carts versus cans and pickup frequency.

Chardon-based Waste Management is among at least four trash haulers operating in the community.

“By getting bids from a number of companies, we will get a lower price for everyone, but it is the usual practice for the municipality to stipulate that there be only one company who is awarded the contract,” Blackley said. “A single hauler can pick up the trash in a day in a city the size of Chardon. This will improve service and decrease the number of heavy garbage trucks running on our city streets.

“We will require the provision of several different cart sizes and, if people wish, they will still be able to use the plastic bags which you can purchase at the grocery store. This is the very cheapest option for those who only generate a small amount of trash. In addition, a major decision will be whether or not to include recycling. Many households recycle now, but it will add an additional cost. It is obviously more convenient than packing it in your car and taking it to a collection point.”

Council last considered a single-hauler contract in 2009, but members of the public expressed opposition to losing the right to choose their provider.

A lot has changed in the last decade with regard to waste removal service, Crawford said.

“Collection operations have advancing technology and automation to reduce injuries, on-board computers (with) real time confirmation, online billing and payment options, live chat, email scheduling and mobile apps,” he said. “Recycling, in particular, is the more challenging of the collection operations due to a rapidly changing packaging industry, capital investments in a sustainable (materials recovery facility), Pacific rim processors’ requirements and long-term outlets for recycled materials.”

Other area communities with single trash hauler contracts include Middlefield, Mentor and Kirtland. All report significant savings.

“The Service Committee will work to decide on the bid specs and then present them to Council before we would go out to bid,” City Manager Randy Sharpe said. “Once the bids are received, Council could still opt not to award a contract if the overall savings are not substantial enough to institute the program.”

A recent Chardon community survey indicated that exploring the idea is a priority.