Cincinnati’s trash program makes no sense. Cincinnati spends more than $200 per ton to collect and dispose of trash, but the service is provided free to residents, with no limits. Some residents abuse the system, throwing away usable items that should go to Goodwill, and even hauling trash in from the suburbs (where they pay for trash collection) so they can set it at the curb and have the city take it for free. The trash program costs many, many millions of dollars, which drives up your taxes, and sucks up money that could be providing other services.
What’s the alternative? Many cities charge residents for trash based on the quantity of trash they generate. This motivates residents to reduce their trash, benefitting charities, the recycling program, and the City’s budget.
Sierra Club Miami Group is currently organizing a team of volunteers to work toward a smart trash program for Cincinnati. Want to be part of it? Contact Larry Falkin at [email protected] or Bob Gedert at [email protected].
A smarter trash program for Cincinnati
