Plan makes residents take out own trash

BATAVIA, N.Y. (WIVB) - In just a few months, residents living in the City of Batavia may have to come up with their own way to get rid of their trash.

Batavia lawmakers realize they can't please every resident, so their latest plan to let each resident decide how to get rid of his or her own trash.

Two weeks ago, Batavia residents came out strongly opposed to a plan that would have hired an out-of-town contractor to pick up the city's trash. The residents wanted the city to keep its current garbage contractor, Genesee ARC, which has done it for years and hires the developmentally disabled.

The City Council extended ARC's contract until May 31 and canceled plans for the out-of-state contractor. And now, the council is floating a new plan to let each homeowner find his or her own trash contractor or take it directly to the landfill.

Homeowner Tony Martino said, "I'm not crazy about it because we changed our water deal that we had here in Batavia and it was supposed to save us money and I know my water and sewer's gone up so every time they make a decision it seems to cost me more money."

Homeowner Linda Mobley added, "That's a terrible idea because if you have different trucks, people have different garbage pickup you might have two to three trucks on the same day. It's going to be a mess."

But City Administrator Jason Molino says homeowners will save about 13 percent on their property taxes if Batavia gets out of the garbage business.

"Residents have a variety of options they can pick from. Some who have very little refuse to dispose of, it might be financially meaningful to them to go to a local landfill, where those who have greater demand may need a greater level of service," Molino stated.

Whatever residents decide, the move by the council keeps Genesee ARC a contender for work in Batavia, although now the company will now have to compete with contractors like Waste Management or Allied Waste.

Homeowner Frank Maniaci said, "If they want us to pick our own vendor, that's kind of fine with me, but I'd probably stick with ARC if it's close in price range, I would stay with them."

There will be a public hearing on this plan March 11, before the City Council takes a final vote later in March.