Bloomington's solid waste program runs a more than $2 million deficit, due largely to bulk waste pickup. (Photo courtesy City of Bloomington)
By Eric Stock
BLOOMINGTON – A bulk of Bloomington's trash hauling costs comes from bulk waste and city manager David Hales would like to recoup some of that cost.
"We have 21 employees, 15 pieces of equipment," Hales said. "Sixty percent of the program is based on bulk waste service, yet only a small proportion of the residents really use that, especially on a regular basis.
Hales told WJBC's Scott Laughlin, the city would have to charge $100 per haul to cover the costs. The city charges nothing for the first end-loader bucket and $25 for the second one.
"Increasing the (fee) for bulk waste service we think is a fair and equitable way to help ensure that those who use that very expensive service help pay more for that," Hales said.
The city council is considering several options to erase a more than $2 million shortfall in the solid waste program, including adding a 25 dollar fee per end-loader bucket for each bulk or brush pickup.
Hales noted many communities don't provide bulk waste service.
"You go around to some of these other cities, they don't provide bulk waste service," Hales said. "As you make comparisons on fees, this is very unusual."
Hales said he expects the council will review its options at a meeting next month
PODCAST: Listen to Scott and Colleen's interview with Hales on WJBC.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
