THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, June 24, 1996 TAG: 9606210017
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 49 lines
Recent editorials described Virginia Beach's decision not to pay the recycling fee to the Southeastern Public Service Authority as ``a step backward'' and not the ``neighborly thing to do.''
Virginia Beach citizens expect city government to spend taxpayer funds to provide excellent municipal services at the least possible cost. The proposed recycling fee by SPSA places a disproportionate share of the recycling fee on Virginia Beach compared with other SPSA member communities. Furthermore, the proposed $1.2 million charge came during our budget process and was a surprise. As a member of SPSA, we demand the same efficiency of services as Virginia Beach citizens expect of our municipal government.
Virginia Beach pays SPSA approximately $8 million per year to provide an integrated waste-management system that includes curbside recycling services. Any fee imposed on the member communities in addition to the normal tipping fees is a direct charge to Virginia Beach, while other communities benefit from the reduction in tipping fees.
We have received numerous complaints from our residents that the present curbside-recycling program provided by SPSA is inefficient, does not collect enough types of materials, causes litter problems in neighborhoods and uses a bin not large enough to store all designated recyclable materials between collection days. We have passed these concerns along to SPSA and have not seen any changes in its collection practices until recently. We are encouraged that it is now providing a two-sort collection process that speeds collection. However, as long as Virginia Beach would have to pay a disproportionate share of fees imposed by SPSA, we will continue to oppose the payment of public funds that are not equitably distributed throughout the SPSA member communities.
Virginia Beach was the first community in Southeastern Virginia to begin a recycling program. Our drop-off centers receive a steady flow of materials. During the past year, 4,500 tons of materials were disposed of through the drop-off centers, while SPSA collected 9,500 tons by traveling every street in the city once per week (now every other week).
Virginia Beach will continue to be a leader in recycling and other waste-management programs. We intend to - either regionally or on our own - develop a system that will be well-received by the public and process all types of recyclable materials conveniently for residents.
JOHN A. BAUM
Blackwater Borough
Member
Virginia Beach City Council
Virginia Beach, June 10, 1996 by CNB