How about this garbage?

[Wethersfield.com]

How about this garbage?
February 29 2004 at 5:38 PM
No score for this post Bill H. (no login)


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Everyone’s focus on this board is the field! How about the new garbage contract that limits how much we can toss away?

This “new” garbage plan was unveiled during the Republican run counsel, after the contract had been renewed only a few months earlier, and the committee shot down the automated plan. Then this past spring, after a campaign contribution to the Republican Party from Mr. Paine, the issue is revisited and is then passed when a new republican counselor was in place.

Although donating personally to a campaign is not illegal, Mr. Paine got a lot for his $100, and we now have to live with an extended contract and the automated garbage contract. The question now is who else benefited? This is something someone should investigate. Any thoughts?

[Wethersfield.com]

Garbage contract
No score for this post February 29 2004, 8:21 PM

Sounds kinda "fishy" to me! It looks like we're stuck with this multi-year contract unless there's something to this idea...

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Anonymous
(no login)
Re: How about this garbage?
No score for this post February 29 2004, 8:27 PM

I think if you give the new barrels a chance you'll find they're much better than what we have now. Forget about the cost deltas, it's not even worth the effort.

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Joe Sixpack
(no login)
Re: How about this garbage?
No score for this post February 29 2004, 9:58 PM

As I recall, this was a measure to cut costs, because the taxpayers wanted the mill rate to stay about the same.It saved money and before everyone jumps on and says it was only $15,000 after a while enough here and there adds up.

Look at different towns that have this system and the people like it. In the next few years this will be an industry standard.

[seedfarmer]

I'm still up in the air about the cans, as we actually haven't begun using them yet. They seem easy enough, but here are my concerns:

1. What am I supposed to do with the cans I have now?

2. Tree limbs and the such? Drive to the town hall all the time? I have a lot of trees, and every time it rains there are sticks and things come down.

3. Other than sticks and things, am I right, if it doesn't fit in the ghetto barrel, I call for a pickup?

Seems kinda like a hassle if you ask me, but, then, nobody did ask me, sounds like it kinda snuck in.

[WayneDalton]

When is this new system going to start?? It sounds like some houses have got the new barrels? Typical town operation, everybody in the dark.

[Matthew]

The letter that accompanied your new barrel stated that you can put the old cans in the new barrel, or write "THROW OUT" on the old ones and they will be taken away. Otherwise you can use them to put stuff in.

EDIT: The letter also states the new system starts 3/15.

[oldetowne]

You know, those dumpster things aren't half bad. The one we have holds a lot more than the cans did and it looks sort of interesting to drive down the street and see them all. Kind of strange at first - but even the four elderly widows on the street managed to get them in the right place on the right day.

[IronMan]

Does anyone know what it cost for an addition barrel?

[GoldShield]

$60 per barrel (of any size) per year, each year. Contact Paines or Physical Services Dept, Town of Wethersfield.

[BiGKaT]

I am not sure if I like them or hate them as of yet.
The downsides I see to the automated system is more people leave the unsightly barrells in the front yard as they are too cumbersome to move around. Then again, with people leaving cars parked the wrong way in front of their houses and all the junk in the front yards of more and more houses, who's to notice.
They should also give everyone two barrels at no charge (different sizes if requested) instead of trying to grab money by a yearly fee. I really feel bad for a family with 2+ children, as if they didn't have enough expenses without the added 60 bucks or more a year for more than one barrel.

[ThePatriot]

It has only been one week, but so far so good. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[GoldShield]

Hey, BigKat,

No body likes change. We all get used to doing somethin' our own way. Well, changes is good sometimes.

Think back before Paine's cans were here: multiple garbage cans and plastic bags of different sizes, shapes, and colors in front of most homes; stacks of broken trash nearby. All usually put out more than 24 hours before trash day. Talk about a messy looking town-scape! These new, large, dark green trash barrels are beautiful in comparison! As I have cruised down our streets, it was great seeing far fewer trash barrels than before, all of a uniform color and style.

Yeah, people are griping and moaning now. What else is new? They will learn, because they have to. They cannot argue that taking out multiple trash cans (most without wheels) were easier than the new system. Sure the logistics of storing and using the new barrels requires a little effort; learn!

If you have an elder next door, help them if they need it. Maybe if they are minimal trash generators, you can ask them if you can "borrow" some space in their barrel - if your household is a heavier generator of trash. Work it out! It's called community.

The moaners on Town Council are just sorry that they cannot not take responsibility for this new system. They give lip service to wanting to help the elderly with the change to the new system - but they are about to sock it to 'em (and the rest of he town) with significantly higher taxes in less than three months.

About the $60 per can per year charge, think about it for a moment. What is it really for?

The can? No way, Jose! If you are a big trash generator, that means that your extra crap has to be removed one way or another and has to be dumped somewhere. Yeah, I know, you might care less; out of sight, out of mind. Well, that removal, transport, dumping and management of your trash (and mine), "regular" and "extra" costs money.

You make too much (for 1 can) trash, you should pay *extra* for its removal. That is, unless you are saying you should deserve some kind of a free ride. Get real! Can't afford the extra $60 bucks each year? LEARN to change your buying habits and generate *less* trash. I'd say that would be 'patriotic' too.

[oldetowne]

Good posting - especially the part about the second can. The only part I disagree with is that the money for the second can goes to Paine's, rather than to the town or CRRA to cover the additional tipping fees attributable to the additional garbage. But in any event it does cause people to consider their habits and the costs to society as a whole for excessive consumption and may encourage recycling.

[Bill Randazzo]

Great Posts.... Very Informative.

I like these big barrels, I just got to find a place to put it. There difficult to get out of the garage when the cars are in there.

[BiGKaT]

Yes, change is good, and we should all be thankful for Paine's generosity by giving us use of a barrel at no charge to begin with. After all, at the low contract price he charged the town (paid for by you and me with tax dollars) he is operating at a loss. On that note, sixty dollars for an additional barrel is a bargain after all. Maybe we could all chip in and send him a christmas present next year to show our appreciation.
I still think one 65 gal for normal weekly trash and one 95 for things like yard debris would be fair and reasonable. Take a ride through other communities with the automated trash system and note the amount of overstuffed barrels there are.
Hey, I have an idea, we could up the taxes by sixty dollars to help pay for this, since it really is such a petty amount...............
The town could also offer for sale, as do some towns with automated collection, 100 gal bags for lining the barrels. The bags have a tie at the top so you can close the bag before collection, and thus prevent any loose debris from being blown away when the barrel is emptied. They have the added benefit of preventing the barrel from becoming overly odoriferous.

[Bulldog]

I'm sure all of us TAXPAYERS will benefit from lower rates due to the drop in our contractor's drop in labor, liability and all the other drop's when they sold us "this lower cost service"