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Curbside recycling in Chesterfield has lost its value I have lived in Chesterfield for almost 40 years. The county convinced us many years ago to recycle as this would extend the lifespan of the dump. At that point, I was producing about four cans of trash twice a month, and with recycling, I now produce less than one can per month. The time involved and some expense on our part are necessary to prepare recycling for pick-up – washing bottles and cans, preparing cardboard, etc. – and this can all be eliminated if placed in the regular trash. As usual, the board of supervisors seems to be only able to see the dollar mark at the end of its nose. How about the extra expense that trash disposal will cost the county and also the shorter life-span for the dump if we all just put it in the trash? I have already opted out of this new tax, not because of the service but due to the fact that I received a badly needed reduction in my real estate tax of $58.90 only to be told that now I need to pay $25 for this service, which only helps the county coffers, not the taxpayers. I am amazed that this county can always find millions of dollars to do things they want to do but continually cry that they have no money to do things or furnish existing services for the residents, or that a new charge is necessary for existing services. Seems something is wrong here. (Examples: Millions for a sports complex and proposed new charge for soccer players, and there are many others from past years.) Chesterfield has had the reputation for many years for having the best. This only comes from having plenty of money to make things the best, if the public only knew. I have nothing against improvements but question the disbursements of funds, which always seem to lead to new charges for things that existing taxes were supposed to pay for, called user fees by the county, which is at some point intended to make many departments self-sufficient and not require funding from the tax base. This is still a tax no matter what you call it. The residents have an opportunity to opt out of this charge by calling 748-1297. I would love to see what the county would do if the 7,800 residents which use the service all called and opted out of this charge. Most of you are already paying for trash pick-up. You can also expect this to cost more in the future, if the area of pick-up is expanded (as proposed). The county subsidy will also increase. According to Charles Danes, deputy director of general services for Chesterfield County, as of July 1, there were about 94,500 homes scheduled for recycling, and the county will add approximately 4,500 homes. About 7,000 homes have opted out of the program. Editor |
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