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P&Z commissioners trash limits on garbage trucks

Reject proposal to restrict the number of haulers in new subdivisions
April 25, 2017

The 2018 Sussex County comprehensive plan will be a compilation of ideas introduced and debated by county officials, staff and the public. Some of those ideas find their way into the plan, others end up as ordinances to implement the new plan and some never see the light of day.

One of those ideas proposed by staff in the plan’s utilities chapter died a quick death during an April 21 planning and zoning workshop.

Among the strategies proposed by staff was a regulation limiting trash haulers in new subdivisions to a single one.

County engineer Hans Medarz said roads built to county specifications in developments are not designed for constant use by heavy trash trucks. “It doesn't make sense to have three or four companies in every subdivision,” he said, adding companies send separate trucks for trash, recycling and yard waste.

“Trash trucks are tearing up our roads and HOAs end up spending money on road repairs,” Medlarz said.

Medlarz said one trash hauler per subdivision would improve efficiency and lower diesel emissions.

Commission Chairman Bob Wheatley backed up what Medlarz said. “There are five different trash companies that pick up from 15 homes on my street,” he said. “But, maybe this is something we should consider but not something we should do.”

Medlarz could not convince commissioners to keep the proposal in the draft of the plan.

“I think this would eliminate competition,” said Commissioner Kim Hoey Stevenson. “All we have now is bigger companies with all of the little guys out of business,” she said.

She said in her neighborhood, the residents decided on one trash hauler. “We got a deal, and nobody told us we had to do it,” she said.

After a few minutes debate, Commissioner Marty Ross said the free market should dictate the business, not the county.

At that, commissioners agreed by consensus to remove the idea. “That's the land-use plan in action,” Wheatley said. “In five minutes we discussed it and did away with it.”

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