Supervisor Smith Annouces Refuse District Initiative

SUPERVISOR SMITH ANNOUNCES REFUSE DISTRICT INITIATIVE
New approach to trash collection aims for lower cost to residents and decreased truck traffic
For complete info, visit www.townofpittsford.org/refuse-districts
In response to interest expressed by residents, Pittsford Town Supervisor Bill Smith today announced steps to enable residents to create refuse districts for their neighborhoods. This marks a new approach to trash collection in Pittsford. Creating a refuse district means potentially lower cost to residents for trash collection and would reduce garbage truck traffic on residential streets to one visit, once a week.
“The recent consolidation of waste hauling companies restricts competition and leaves residents with fewer choices,” said Supervisor Smith. “Allowing for refuse districts means the Town may be able to negotiate a group price lower than what an individual would pay. Our residents deserve better options. We’re providing them.”
If your neighborhood is interested in creating a refuse district:

1. Talk to your neighbors to define the district. Decide what streets you wish to include.

2. Contact Renee McQuillen of the Town Department of Public Works at 248-6253. The Town will provide petition forms, as required by State law, each with a map showing the proposed district.

3. Obtain petition signatures from homeowners in the proposed district representing at least fifty percent of the aggregate assessed value of all properties in the district. The Town will assist with notarizing signatures and helping you complete the process.

4. Petitions should be submitted to the Town Department of Public Works by April 30, 2019. The Town then will issue a competitive bid for waste collection for all proposed districts. Once the lowest responsible bidder is chosen, the Town will advise each household of the annual cost.

5. For all proposed districts whose residents wish to proceed, the proposed districts will be presented to the Town Board for a public hearing and a vote on creating the districts.

6. The Town will bill district residents annually on their Town tax bill. District residents no longer would receive a bill directly from the waste hauler.

7. For residents who now pay extra for special services, such as collection of trash and recycling from close to the house rather than curbside, the Town will seek arrangements with the selected hauler to continue such services at the same or substantially similar price.

8. The Town would consider new districts each year, with petitions to be filed between January 1 and April 30.

“The experience in other communities has been that refuse districts reduce costs to homeowners,” said Supervisor Smith.  “Fewer trucks are good for the environment, good for our roads and good for reducing traffic congestion,” Smith added. 
 
Those interested in forming a refuse district in their neighborhood may contact Renee McQuillen in the Department of Public Works at 248-6253.  Questions or comments about refuse districts or the process of getting one can be directed to Supervisor Smith at bsmith@townofpittsford.org or 248-6220.