Good for county administrators for revisiting their apparent
decision to change garbage contractors for residents in
unincorporated parts of South County. The current contract expires
Sept. 30.
Think again
Good for county administrators for revisiting their apparent decision to change garbage contractors for residents in unincorporated parts of South County. The current contract expires Sept. 30.
County officials say survey results matched well with the services offered by newcomer GreenWaste Recovery. However, after it became clear that the services were associated with a 13 percent price increase, many residents opposed the switch from longtime garbage contracter South Valley Disposal.
Difference between wants and needs
GreenWaste Recovery’s bid included weekly recycling pickups and single-stream recycling, services that the 1,000 residents who returned surveys indicated they would like. South Valley picks up recycling every other week and does not offer single-stream recycling.
Some 150 county residents showed up at a recent meeting that became fairly raucous as they expressed their concern and displeasure with the proposal.
South Valley Disposal also serves residents in the cities of Morgan Hill and Gilroy. Their service will remain unaffected by the county’s decision.
Economic, community concerns
South Valley Disposal has been a valued community member for many years. Beyond that, it seems that there are economies of scale and environmental benefits to using the same company for both South County cities and the unincorporated areas as well as San Benito County.
In the context of the extremely difficult economy, it’s understandable that keeping fees as low as possible is a priority for most residents. That’s a concern that county officials should keep top of mind as they evaluate garbage hauling proposals.
County officials are reviewing the proposals again. Now’s the chance for residents in unincorporated parts of south Santa Clara County to let their elected county representative, Supervisor Don Gage, know how they feel about the proposals from GreenWaste Recovery and South Valley Disposal.
Contact County Supervisor Don Gage to let him know your feelings on the issue at 299-5010 or do******@*******************ca.us.
