In an effort to deal with the ongoing problem of illegal dumping in Franklin Township and to create a more efficient system of waste removal, township trustees are pondering the idea of joining the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO).  

Lower cost, additional services such as recycling and yard waste removal, reduced pollution, reduced wear and tear on roads and less illegal dumping are some of the benefits of joining SWACO, explained Larry Spencer, who represented the organization during the Feb. 18 trustee meeting.  

According to the SWACO presentation, “the goal of the program is to improve the quality of service, expand recycling, and obtain better prices.”  

Bexley, Dublin, Gahanna, New Albany, Reynoldsburg and Westerville as well as Mifflin, Plain, Blendon and Washington townships are all participating in the first consortium in Central Ohio.  

Each household in the first consortium is paying $15.89 per month for weekly pick up of solid waste, yard waste and recycling. That price is fixed for the next five years.  

The “price also includes services to municipal facilities and special annual events, such as festivals or annual clean-up specified in the contract at no extra charge,” according to the SWACO presentation.  

The second consortium, which is being formed now, would dictate the type of services it would like to include in its package. However, the final package must include some type of recycling, whether it be curbside at the home or a drop-off.  

After a package is assembled, it is then competitively bid on by several vendors in the Central Ohio area.  

If the township trustees do decide to participate in SWACO, no Franklin Township resident would be able to ‘opt-out’.  

That would mean that residents who don’t currently have waste removal service or don’t feel that they need service, would be required to pay regardless.  

However, SWACO representatives reminded residents that it is required by law to have any solid waste removed from the household every seven days.  

Franklin Township resident, Joe Donovan, said during the meeting that he believed there should be a vote or at least some opinion from the public before engaging in the contract.

The board responded that there would be an opportunity for public input.