Solebury Supervisors Reject Single Trash Hauler Idea

After hearing from residents, the Solebury Township Board of Supervisors voted last week against pursuing a single trash hauler system after a resident survey.

The decision follows the Environmental Advisory Council proposing the idea several months ago to reduce heavy truck traffic and the environmental impact from multiple waste haulers operating throughout the township’s 27 square miles.

More than 1,000 residents responded to the survey, with more than 87 percent expressing satisfaction with their current trash collection service, officials said.

The survey showed that 83 percent of residents use just two providers – 61 percent use Whitetail and 22 percent use Republic Services.

“Over 80 percent, 83 percent of residents are serviced by two trash haulers,” said Supervisor Kevin Morrissey. “So in essence, we have it already. There’s nothing to be done, frankly.”

Only 45 percent of respondents indicated interest in a single trash provider, while 77 percent said they would want the ability to opt out of such a system if implemented, officials said.

“When you look at those numbers where it’s almost nine out of 10 are happy where they are, and you add all these other considerations, I don’t know how we’re not listening to the residents and saying no,” Supervisor Chairperson Mark Baum Baicker said.

Supervisor John Francis spoke to the potential benefits and drawbacks of a single hauler system during the discussion.

Francis said the benefits could include cost savings, reduced traffic congestion and noise, decreased road wear, improved safety, and enhanced service accountability through municipal negotiation, while the drawbacks include elimination of consumer choice, impact on competition and local businesses, dependence on a single contractor, and increased administrative burden on township staff.

“The main one that came out of the survey, and I think you see it in other townships, too, is the elimination of consumer choice,” Francis said. “This is a significant issue for people.”

Supervisor Vice Chairperson Hanna Howe said she had concern about potentially undermining future environmental initiatives in the township by going against community will.

Township officials suggested the Environmental Advisory Council could explore alternatives like community composting programs, waste reduction education initiatives, and promotion of alternative disposal services.

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