Spring/Summer 2018 Hometown Messenger & Activities Brochure

Organized garbage collection

#AsktheCity

Since 1991, the City of Shakopee has had an organized garbage collection system. City Code requires all single family dwellings, duplexes, triplexes and all other residential units that receive individual curbside pickup of refuse to have service from the city's designated hauler. WHY CAN'T I CHOOSE MY OWN GARBAGE HAULER? Cities have two options for garbage collection: open and organized. In 1991, Shakopee adopted an“organized collection" system, which allows the city to designate a hauler to collect trash. At the time, the city determined designating a single hauler reduced costs for both the hauler, city and residents. DOES ORGANIZED COLLECTION REALLY KEEP COSTS LOW? While there is no guaranteed, accurate method to measure which system is more cost-effective, our records show that in 1991

– when the city last had an open collection system – it cost $12.76 a month for collection of a 65-gallon cart and a small recycling bin. As of Jan. 1, 2018, collection rates for a 65-gallon cart plus recycling cart are $14.99 a month. That's a difference of $2.23 per month (or 17.5 percent) over 27 years. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO ORGANIZED COLLECTION? In addition to reducing costs, organized collection ensures trash doesn't pile up in the streets or yards (since it requires residents to have curbside pickup), reduces wear on city streets from heavy trucks and reduces the noise caused by multiple haulers traveling through neighborhoods at different times. DO OTHER CITIES HAVE ORGANIZED COLLECTION? Yes, among the cities who designate haulers through an organized collection system are

Bloomington, Maplewood and Jordan. The City of St. Paul also recently approved moving to a designated-hauler system. HOW DOES THE CITY DESIGNATE A HAULER? Historically, the city has used a competitive bidding process. In 2014, our current hauler, Republic Services, was awarded a five- year contract to collect residential trash in Shakopee through May 2019. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE CONTRACT ENDS? This fall, the City Council will decide whether to open a new request for proposals or continue with Republic Services for another two years. We encourage homeowners to share their thoughts with the council leading up to the decision. More info: www.ShakopeeMN.gov/ garbageandrecycling

Shakopee Rotary collecting household items for Bridging Don't forget to bring your gently used furniture and household items for donation during the city's annual Clean Up Day Saturday, April 28. Shakopee Rotary will be collecting donations for Bridging, Inc., a local non- profit that serves people in need throughout the metropolitan area. Donations must be in good condition. ACCEPTED DONATIONS: • Furniture: Mattresses, freestanding bed frames, chairs, desks, dressers, tables (all kinds), sofas (no sleeper sofas). • Housewares: Ironing boards, irons, lamps, bakeware, glassware, dishes, utensils, pots/pans, bedding, towels, pillows, blankets, framed mirrors, artwork, pictures, household tools. • Small appliances and electronics: Crockpots, fans, lamps, microwaves, toasters, TVs, vacuums, irons, coffeemakers. Furniture pickup is also available. Contact Rotarian Tim Whitcomb at 952-445-6170 with questions or to schedule a pickup.

IT ‘S TIME FOR SHAKOPEE ‘S ANNUAL... CLEAN UP DAY

www.ShakopeeMN.gov/cleanupday Sat. April 28, 2018 7:30-11:30 AM Public Works Department, 400 Gorman St. (Use Fourth Avenue entrance behind the building) Cash or check only FOR RESIDENTS of shakopee, Jackson Township, and Louisville township (ID’ s required)

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