“Testing the waters” for Town-sponsored bulk trash service in Preston

PRESTON - The Town Commission plans to provide a dumpster for residents to dispose of large unwanted items during their Summerdaze event on  August 9.

A Preston resident suggested the Town organize a way to assist with the removal and disposal of bulk trash last month. The Town Commissioners continued to speak at length on the subject during their workshop meeting on Monday, July 28, comparing possible procedures and getting input from a representative of Bigg Tyme Trash.

The Town’s first draft procedure mimicked the Town of Federalsburg’s bulk trash days. Town Manager Amber Korell presented a mock flyer which advertised a dumpster being available at Town Hall on the second Mondays of April and September between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.. Residents would buy a ticket for $30 and be allowed to dump up to two items. The items listed on the flyer as being acceptable to dump were certain appliances, furniture, etc.

Attendees at the workshop, as well as some Commissioners, raised concerns over charging residents the $30 fee. Commissioner Scott Messick said he would like to see the service be provided with minimal barriers, including eliminating the proposed fee and having town staff pick up bulk trash rather than relying on residents to bring it to the dumpster themselves, “I'd like to see more things for my money as a citizen. And if it's just a ‘hey, we're going to do this as a convenience to you. You can bring two items a year, two items twice a year. And if you want more than that, there's a charge’ then that’s fine with me."

Messick said he sees the town-sponsored bulk trash removal as “proactive” code-enforcement. The Town code does not allow residents to have bulk trash outside of their homes as they create an eyesore and potential safety hazard. By offering a dumpster service periodically, the hope is that residents will take advantage, rather than leaving unwanted pieces of garbage in their yards.

Commission President Savannah Winston suggested having the dumpster at community events. The Commission decided the Town will pay to have a dumpster for residents to dispose of two bulk trash items at their upcoming Summerdaze event on August 9 to “test the waters” and see how the community responds. Commissioners will base further decisions on bulk trash days based on the interest shown at Summerdaze.