SpringfieldNewsSun.com

Springfield, Ohio — Springfield commissioners didn't shy away from talking trash at the commission meeting on Aug. 28.

The results of solid waste collection feasibility study were presented by Debra Shaw, director of the Clark County Waste Management District, and Jim Scora, manager of GT Environmental, based out of Westerville, Ohio.

Currently, four trash haulers provide service to Springfield, which is "very confusing for most of the folks" and causes heavier truck traffic, Shaw said.

Springfield is the largest city in Ohio with an "open" trash haul system, where trash haulers are not contracted, and it could be costing city residents $63 per year, Shaw said.

The average monthly cost of trash hauling is $20.20 in Springfield; in cities where trash hauling is publicly contracted and privately operated, it costs about $14.80 per month, Scora said.

About 3,270 residential satisfaction surveys have been reviewed, Scora said, and Springfield's residents seem to be open to the idea of a city-wide trash hauler.

In other matters, commissioners passed two ordinances allowing the establishment of the Eastern Corridor Plan Overlay District, which will span from Spring Street to New Love Road on U.S. 40 and will help officials control future land use.

The city also agreed to enter an environmental covenant with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for the former Haucke Complex at the intersection of West Main Street and Plum Street. The city bought the property and made it ready for commercial use, said Jerry Strozdas, Springfield's law director.

Contact thias reporter at 937-328-0349 or at dselden@coxohio.com