City Council voted the contract into effect Wednesday with little conversation beyond Mayor Pat Moeller saying, “It’s been talked about quite a bit.”
Once the city’s third extension on the current contract is complete Aug. 14 the new contract will last until Dec. 31, 2013.
Under the new contract, garbage collection stays the same — trash picked up weekly with residents using their choice of a covered cart, whether it’s Rumpke-issued or another brand, according to the city.
Recycling collection will become bimonthly with residents having the choice of a 35-, 65-, or 96-gallon wheeled cart with lid. According to the city, cards will be mailed to residents requesting which cart size they want. If no response is given by the resident, a 65-gallon cart will be issued.
Darrell Robbins of Lawn Avenue said his trash amounts to only one bag a week. In preparation for the larger recycling cart, Robbins said he’s been saving his plastic bottles. He doesn’t currently recycle.
“I’ve never saved plastics before, I figure if it helps some,” Robbins said. “Rumpke does a good job.”
The fee increase includes 30 cents for inflation and 15 cents for Rumpke to collect solid waste from 150 cans in city parks and streets — a service done previously by the city’s street and sewer division, according to the city.
In late May, council was considering a contract that included residential and commercial customers receiving a Rumpke-issued 65-gallon wheeled recycling cart with lid; a 96-gallon wheeled trash cart with lid; and a monthly fee increase of $1.45 for the first year and 30 cents more each year after, according to Richard Engle, acting director of public works.
By early June, council had reconsidered its options after much public comment from residents wanting the freedom to choose whether to adopt larger trash and recycling bins.
Engle expressed his relief at reaching a conclusion with a wide smile.
“We’ve spent 10 months trying to get something executed,” Engle said. “I’m sure Rumpke is happy too, we’re one of their biggest customers.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2179 or hpoturalski@coxohio.com.
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