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Politics & Government

Trash Permits for Elderly Unlikely

Supervisor Joan Walsh says permits for the elderly are unlikely when sanitation changes take effect.

Those hoping for a reprieve to Harrisons's upcoming sanitation changes in the form of a permit are likely to be disappointed.

Supervisor Joan Walsh said that everyone will be required to take their trash to the curb when changes in pick-up go into effect on Jan. 25.

There has been much discussion at town meetings about allowing a limited number of elderly and disabled residents permits to continue backdoor pick-up.

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"My staff called 16 other communities and the majority had curbside pick-up. The ones that do have any backyard pick-up have private service and charge a substantial fee," Walsh said. "We are following the footsteps of other communities."

Walsh said that she understands this change will be upsetting to certain people and it will be evaluated in four or five months after implementation.

Find out what's happening in Harrisonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Councilwoman Marlene Amelio said she would prefer to see a permit excusing Harrison's elderly from the sanitation changes.

"I feel that our senior citizens should be given the services they've grown accustomed to," she said. "They have a special place in our community and they certainly deserve some special consideration."

Permit discussions have included a price tag for any special permits that might be issued and Amelio said this isn't always feasible for the towns seniors.

"Many of them are on strict rigid incomes and really can't afford any additional payments, especially for services they've grown accustomed to," Amelio said.

Residents won't be the only ones affected by sanitation changes. Businesses will begin paying a fee for garbage collection in either February or March that will be based on the volume of trash they produce.

All of the changes are being instituted as cost savings measures and to improve efficiency. As part of the changes, collection days and routes are being modified.However, it is still required that all trash be placed outside for pick-up either the night before, or by 6 a.m. the day of pick-up.

The changes were initially supposed to take effect Jan. 11 but they were postponed because there hadn't been enough time to alert residents of the changes.

The Department of Public Works is sending a letter to every address in Harrison, automated calls will be going out and fliers will be attached to mailboxes or garbage cans alerting residents of the upcoming change.

"There is no excuse for not knowing," Walsh said.

 

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