Dear Neighbors,
There are too many garbage trucks on our roads and in our alleys. Constantly having these heavy trucks (24 to 36 per week) on our roads increases air and noise pollution, while also causing excessive wear and tear on our roads and bridges.
Legislation I sponsored increases local control over trash hauling. Having passed the State House and Senate – it was signed by the governor. This legislation gives city councils more flexibility when negotiating, licensing, and organizing trash haulers in their cities.
Instead of different haulers picking up trash all over, local government with community input will be able to organize their community into territories, where individual haulers will be responsible for trash pick-up. This bill does not mandate a city must implement organized hauling, but gives them a clear, community based process to follow.
A study from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency found that organized trash collection significantly benefits taxpayers. By reducing the number of haulers from five to one, the City of Oakdale estimates it could save $120,000 to $300,000 per year in road repairs. The City of Maplewood expects that trash hauling bills for its residents will decrease roughly 50 percent with organized hauling.
This legislation gives our local elected officials control over this community issue. I am proud to have navigated this legislation through the process as cities that use it will see better air quality, less noise, and dollars saved by residents!
Please feel free to contact me. Your input always is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Linda Slocum
State Representative