Don’t micromanage trash collection in Lansdale

I am writing this letter to discuss my objection to Lansdale Borough Council reopening discussions regarding the Single Trash Hauler dialogue that is being proposed in our borough. I feel that we do not need control and micro-managing of the residents of Lansdale regarding their trash collection. I have had the same trash/recycling company for many years and I am extremely satisfied with the company. I have had almost no issues and if something was a problem, I called the company and it was resolved promptly. I also have successfully negotiated price with the company. I do not need Lansdale Borough to micro-manage trash collection.

I do not remember what year it was when Lansdale had opened discussions and bids for a single trash hauler proposal but the residents were against this same plan. I was appalled when the attorney from J.P.Mascaro stood up at that council meeting when all bids were not accepted and pointed to all of the attendees and announced that we were all stupid and he felt sorry for us not wanting their company. I just could not believe that this attorney would actually say this in a public meeting. I would like to disclose a story regarding problems with a single trash hauler in Montgomery County.

A friend of mine served many years as an Upper Pottsgrove Township Commissioner and some of the township administrators wanted to go to bid for a single trash hauler. They voted to proceed with the bids, my friend voted against having a single trash hauler but the proposal was passed. J.P. Mascaro won the bid and the residents were not happy. For the next several years, there was nothing but problems with Mascaro’s service. The residents had many complaints, the township was locked into the contract. The township tried to resolve the complaints and Mascaro was absolutely no help! When the contract was up, Upper Pottsgove did not discuss any more trash hauler contracts. When Mascaro’s was told that their contract would not be renewed, they sent their employees to all the resident’s homes to collect their trash/recycling cans. The Mascaro’s employees actually dumped any trash or recycling that was left in the cans on the ground when they picked them up.

Once you sign a contract you are locked in and some companies might not always care for their duties and responsibilities. I did not want a single trash hauler a few years ago and I do not want it now. What I am saying is, I do not want Lansdale micro-managing our trash collection.