Politics & Government

Salisbury Cancels Curbside Grass Clippings Pick-Up

Salisbury commissioners say cancellation will save township $186,000, residents should mulch their grass clippings

In a decision that could help the environment and save Salisbury Township nearly $186,000,  residents' grass clippings will no longer be picked up by the township's refuse and recyclables hauler.

The Salisbury Township board of commissioners canceled the  grass clippings removal clause from Waste Management's refuse and recycling contract, which the board renewed for another three years Thursday. The contract was due to expire in June.  

"The good news is the contract extension will not at this point require any increase in garbage/recycling fees," Township Manager Randy Soriano said.

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Many of the commissioners cited the significant cost savings to the township, although Soriano stressed the cancelation will not mean residents'  fees will be reduced, but the savings will revert to the township sanitation and recycling fund.

Soriano said the cancelation might encourage more residents to mulch their grass, which is better for the environment. "Mulch it.  Everyone's doing it. It's good for the environment," he said.

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A township survey that showed residents preferred by 2:1 to cancel the grass clippings pick-up. Commissioner Joanne Ackerman wanted to know if township had an alternative for residents who still wanted to have their grass clippings removed, such as a yard waste drop-off. 

"There are environmental issues of taking the grass and disposing of it," Soriano said. 

He said a "small minority"  used the grass clipping removal service and that it was being subsidized by those who do not use it.

"I'm sure there will be a vocal minority to get that service back," Soriano said. For residents who have relied on the grass clipping removal service, Soriano said, they have three months to decide how they want dispose of it. "It's not tomorrow."

Soriano said the township was going to expand its recycling programg this year and was looking into providing larger containers.

 


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