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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Tuesday, November 04, 2014

Bethlehem Tp Considers Single Trash Hauler

Steven Deasy
Thanks to a $7,500 grant, Bethlehem Township Commissioners last nigh heard a single hauler feasibility report from Steven Deasy, the Sustainable project manager at Gannett Fleming. He recommended that the Township switch to a single trash hauler from the current system of ten private haulers. He also recommended that the Recycling Center be expanded. But it is by no means clear whether this proposal will go anywhere. President Marty Zawarski was ready to solicit bids last night, but other Commissioners thought it was more important to seek out public input.

In his presentation and report, Deasy made the following points:
  • Approximately 9,300 households are served by ten different private hauling companies. 
  • Between 10-20% of Township residents have no contract with a private hauler, and dispose of their garbage by other means. In his presentation, Deasy stated this is a statewide average based on conversations with haulers.
  • There are 110.31 miles of Township roads and another 27.2 miles of state roads in Bethlehem Township.
  • Garbage tracks have the greatest negative impact on roads of all vehicles, with the exception of buses. 
  • The notion that competition among private haulers results in a lower bill is a "common misconception. In reality, the trash bills at single hauler municipalities are 14-35% lower than in municipalities with private haulers. 
  • Residents pay an average of $468 per year for trash removal now. With a single hauler, the price could drop to a $320 per year average. 
  • Concerting to a single hauler is a "sensitive issue" But without a bid, it is impossible to answer questions from residents.
  • Performance binds should be kept as low as possible to encourage buds from small and medium-sized haulers.
In addition to recommending a single hauler, Deasy recommended changes at the Recycling Center, located on Falmer road. He suggested it be open longer, or that hours be shifted so that it is open when in the early evening, when people get off from work. He also suggested that the Township "stop giving away woody wastes. Sell it.".

Deasy's single hauler proposal came under almost immediate attack from citizens at the meeting. Bill Berry, himself a former Commissioner, suggested the matter be put up for referendum.

Barry Roth was the most vocal critic.

"Once again, Big Government is going to come in and shove  [private haulers] out of business. ... You guys wouldn't like it if there was only one developer in this Township." He also predicted, "When this goes to public hearing, this place is gonna' be packed. You're gonna' need a bigger room."

Not yet. Commissioners, with the exception of Zawarski, are unwilling to seek bid proposals without surveying whether there is public support.

"Listen to the people first," recommended Pat Breslin.

In other business, Commissioners agreed to hire DelVal Soil and Environmental Consulting for wetlands analysis at the rate of $75-150 per hour. Broughal explained that the development proposed at Green Pond marsh is part of the reason, but added that a recent Supreme Court decision places the burden on township officials to ensure that all environmental standards are met.

16 comments:

Lighthouse said...

Killing competition...not very Republican (in practice, yes, but not in rhetoric).

Killing the "little guy"...not very Democratic.

Once the independent haulers are effectively eliminated by more municipalities going "single hauler", do you really think at that point you can negotiate a lower rate when you only have one or two corporate haulers left? Short-term gain, long term loss. Yet, I predict in time the Twp will go this route. I just hope its not now.

Anonymous said...

Does this Township ever know how to spend money whether its theirs or grants funded by all taxpayers. Every week they are spending money and the sad bpart nothing changes? This is the most stupid idea ever and its coming from a so called Republican named Zawarski. He is more of a liberal Democrat in sheep skin espousing big government and government can do better than the private sector. Word has it that he has incesantly pushed staff to get this done over the years. This is one of those watch the money trail if and when it might go into place. This will be the 2015 election issue when he runs for re election next year. Hoping all the haulers support a candidate that favors competition and the small business. When will people in that Township wake up and vote these spend spend spend people out of office?

Anonymous said...

I hope the Commissioners consider something in the middle. The complaint that the trash haulers degrade the quality of life is a real concern. But going to a single-hauler system, as stated will be a short term gain for a long term loss.

I think if the Commissioners were truly concerned about the quality of life, then they would put restrictions in regarding the times and days that the trash haulers could operate within the Township. That would help alleviate some of the concerns, certainly not all, but some, and would allow the residents their choice of haulers.

But let's call people bad names and attack their families. That's always more fun.

The Central Scrutinizer said...

As a long time resident, I cannot fathom the opposition to this. Each and every concern is a non-issue and is totally made moot by the benefits of a single hauler.

Commissioners, don't listen to the vocal minority. They either have a scam going or they know someone in the business.

Anonymous said...

8:56,@
Did you ever think that maybe Zawarski has a friend in the business?

Anonymous said...

There is no long term loss in this proposal. Rates go down and stay down. It is NOT a short term savings and quality of life goes up.

Anonymous said...

8:56. Really. You think. Believe me - he has no friends, just acquaintances

Anonymous said...

Rates will stay down because it is competively bid every 3 or 4 yrs. When was the last time you bid out your household garbage? Never! This actually puts competition into the process. People are getting less services and paying more for it. It is a conclusion that that any resonable look at the fact will show.

Anonymous said...

8:56,@
Did you ever think that maybe Zawarski has a friend in the business?


Who gives a shit? I get a lower rate and I don't see trash cans on my street every day of the week.

Plus, if its like Allentown, you get pickup twice a week.

The Central Scrutinizer said...

I'm talking about the opposition - THEY have a scam (meaning they use a local business dumpster or something to get around paying) or they have friends or family in the business.

Anonymous said...

The idea that the cost will be low to start with a single hauler and then will increase when there is no competition is simply not based on any facts. Communities that have been bidding out trash services for 30 years are still paying less than what Township residents pay. In 5, 10, 15, 20 year residents and businesses will still be generating trash. There will still be companies providing trash service and cleaning up our mess...what not have the Township do what we would do if we were putting an addition on our house...ask for a few prices and select a qualified company to do the work....thats the kinda role I believe our elected officials should provide

Anonymous said...

I'm pro-choice. Get government hands off my ovaries AND my trash.

Anonymous said...

It surprises me the quasi-incestuious relationships you Bethlemites have for your garbage men

Anonymous said...

@8:30,
No incestuous relationships, just a disdain for government bullies.

Bernie O'Hare said...

I know people have strong opinions on this matter. I have none, believe it or not.

Anonymous said...

this is all Mary Zawarski he has wanted this for years
notice they did not present the other side
propaganda township here