Springfield seeks bids to haul waste
6/12/2003Springfield Township's administrator plans to ask for proposals from waste hauling companies with the idea that one company would provide the service to all township residents.
The objective is to save money for homeowners as well as promote an increased use of recycling, said Bob Anderson, township administrator.
“We aren't saying this is something we're going to do,” he said. “It's like looking for a new car. We're trying to see what's available and what the cost would be.''
If trustees give their approval, Mr. Anderson said he will ask area waste haulers for their plans and costs for providing the service to all township residents.
He said some property owners already have complained that if the plans come to fruition, the township will be taking away the residents' ability to choose their own waste-hauling firm.
Although it's true that there would be only one company for the township, Mr. Anderson said, there wouldn't be such an agreement unless there are clear benefits for the community.
The first and most obvious benefit is the likelihood that any township-wide contract would probably be less costly for each resident.
Companies should be able to offer a better rate because of the size of the customer base, he said.
As it is now, each property owner hires a company for service.
Trucks from different companies come into the township on different days to accommodate their schedules.
If only one company handles all the collection, truck traffic should be reduced and better regulated, Mr. Anderson said.
Because proposals will be considered only if they include a recycling plan, that practice will be encouraged and the township may save money by reducing its number of “Dumpster days.''
A preliminary study indicates that as much as $25,000 could be saved by the county if it can reduce those collections.
If one contractor gets the contract, the company will furnish containers for refuse and recyclable material and will collect on a weekly schedule.
Billing may be through the township, but it will be treated as an individual contract between the company and the property owner.
The service would be for residences of four units or fewer and for property owned by the township.
Mr. Anderson said a draft agreement probably will be presented to trustees at their next meeting, and if approved he will contact private hauling firms for their proposals.
About two years ago, Sylvania Township dropped a similar proposal when only a few residents came to township meetings and many of them were opposed to the plan.