Will Richfield Get into the Garbage Business? Well, Maybe

The city's dilemma on whether to implement a single garbage and recycling collection system is not a new one.

And, as someone who doesn't deal with her own trash collection, I have to say I never thought garbage could rile the public so easily. But, alas, garbage is quite the hot topic in Richfield these days.

As resident Mike McLean shared on Richfield Patch's Facebook page last week, he first learned about the potential hauler switch in June 2009. Richfield Patch began covering the issue in July 2011 after the council declined to make a decision on the switch until more data and information could be collected. Since then, the League of Women Voters of Richfield decided to study the issue late last year and recently hosted a public forum on the issue.

See more information on the public forum here.

McLean, like many residents, has expressed his strong opposition to the city getting into the garbage business. The following is an excerpt from a June 2009 Letter to the Editor that appeared in the Richfield Sun Current:

I personally do not think that it is that difficult to contact a trash hauler and request that they begin picking up my trash. In fact, I have done it five times in the last 31 years. So it appears that the city is just looking for more ways to increase revenue.

There are citizens who change trash haulers periodically to take advantage of cheaper rates. This would remove that option. Every week we see more instances where government is finding new ways to intrude into our private businesses and lives.

All I ask is that the city of Richfield stay out of my personal relationship with my trash hauler.

Many of those in favor of a city-wide garbage collection system believe the current system is inefficient, causes extra pollution, damages the roads, and could lead to unwarranted physical danger to the public. In addition, moving to an organized garbage collection system can save people up to 50 percent on their bill.

Should Richfield move to a single garbage hauler system?

And speaking of garbage, let's not forget about the city's consideration of an ordinance that would've required residents to screen their garbage cans. (People lined up at that council meeting to have their say on that one.)

When will it end?

Recently, I was asked if this issue was something that residents could expect some action on in the near future, or if it was just a lot of talk.

At this point, it doesn't appear the city council will be reviewing this issue in the near future. However, the League of Women Voters of Richfield is planning to take a position one way or another once its studies are completed.

The change, if eventually approved, could still be years away. So for now, it looks like trash collection—much like trash can storage—will remain a hot topic for a while.

Share your "trash talk" thoughts in the comments section below.

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