SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The County Board of Supervisors has given green light to a proposal that allows non-HOA residents to form “sanitary districts”, which in turn will facilitate negotiation of trash and recycling pickup costs with service providers. The program, slated to commence in 2025, is expected to reduce the pickup costs from around $70 per month to a maximum of up to $51 per month for homeowners falling under the group.
ALSO READ:
Buncobe County Approved New Solid Waste Contract with FCC Environmental Services
Detroit's Expanded Solid Waste Collection to Take Effect June 3
The Board approved the program by a 7-1-1 vote with one against and one absent, without subsidizing start-up fees and other expenses. Chair Phyllis Randall (D-At Large) voted against the program, saying that it would increase costs to residents who do not wish to be part of it. Meantime, Supervisor Caleb Kershner (R-Catoctin) was absent for the vote.
The bulk purchase of trash and recycling pickup services by HOAs will reduce the cost of individual homeowners to $25-$35 per month, said a study commissioned by the county. However, homeowners who are out of HOAs will have to pay higher prices, as they lack collective bargaining power.
Every sanitary district would contain at least 50 non-HOA homeowners. The entire process of formation of sanitary districts will take approximately nine months.
