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Automated trash pickup a feasible option

Date: 9/12/2012

By Carley Dangona

carley@thereminder.com

WEST SPRINGFIELD — At the Sept. 4 Town Council meeting, Robert Colson, director of the Department of Public Works presented the new automated trash proposal; immediately following public hearings were held regarding the implementation of this new system.

"It wasn't required to have hearings regarding this issue, but we [the council] felt it was important to get public input," Kathleen Bourque, president of the council said.

The town seeks to move to automated collection, where residents will have a 96-gallon recycle bin and a 64-gallon trash bin, with trash being picked up weekly and recycling biweekly. Residents will no longer have to separate their recyclables with the new program.

In addition, smaller trash bins will be available to those in need of them and stickers will be available for purchase for weeks when residents accumulate more trash than fits in the bin.

After reviewing three quotes, the DPW decided that Allied Waste Services, the current company servicing the area, has the best offer.

"We wish to stay with Allied Waste," Colson said. "We could easily save $100,000 per year with this system, with the projected decrease in trash accumulation and increase in the number of people recycling."

Mayor Gregory Neffinger said, "There is no intention to charge for residents for trash pickup [with the 64- and 96-gallon bin basic service]."

Colson noted that everyone would receive the same bins, which would "provide a uniform appearance, have tight lids to ensure trash stays in place, and deter animals from scavenging."

When one resident inquired about the issue of snow banks, Bruce Stanas, Municipal Government Affairs manager for Allied responded. "The arm of can reach 10 feet from the truck, he said. "Very rarely do we see a complication in winter time with snow banks."

Michael Pattavina, Waste Management Coordinator, said, "Spot checks will be done to make sure no trash is placed in the recycling bins and that no hazardous waste is disposed of improperly."

He added, "Despite the practices of other cities [some won't pick up if the bin isn't at least half full], if the bin is out there, it will be picked up. Residents won't be penalized if the recycling cart isn't out, either."

The overall theme of the presentation was the cleanup of the city.

"There's a lot of litter in West Springfield," Diane Kroll, resident and litter patrol volunteer said. "Volunteers picked up more than nine tons last April."

"It's really a neighborhood beautification program, as much as a savings program," Pattavina said. "Trash day is going to be marveled at — it's organization [and long-term effects in reducing litter]."

Colson echoed the notion, "This proposal is about best management practices. We want to beautify our town."

The council vote on the proposal was not yet scheduled by publication.

For more information, visit www.west-springfield.ma.us and go to the DPW page.