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.