OURVIEW

Trash pick-up shouldn’t

be causing big stink

W

ith the arrival of spring and the inevitable turning of the calendar into summer, the issue of trash collection in Milltown has again reared its ugly head — or nose, depending on whom you talk to in town.

Last summer the Borough Council decided to try picking up garbage once a week instead of adhering to the usual twice-a-week schedule. The change was an effort to save money and allow the employees of the public works department time to complete other projects around Milltown.

And, according to officials, it worked. The borough saved $50,000 with once-a-week garbage collection last summer.

However, the council was almost immediately faced with several complaints about the smell emanating from the garbage that was sitting around for a week.

What those who rally behind reinstating the twice-a-week collection are failing to take into account is that record temperatures in July and August added to the stink of the garbage. Just look at the borough’s electric bills in case anyone forgot.

Also, $50,000 is a significant amount of money — especially at a time when borough taxpayers are facing rate increases.

In addition, Craig Lonieski, a supervisor with the public works department, raised several good points. First, with more residents recycling, there should be less garbage. Second, residents tend to take vacations in the summer months, resulting in less garbage.

Besides, it is worth it to try again — at least for one more year. In fact, it is worth about $50,000.