Vail invites residents to weigh in on municipalized waste collection program
Listening session set for Thursday at Vail Town Hall
John LaConte/Vail Daily
Like flies at a dumpster, an idea to move the town of Vail to a single-hauler trash collection system has been buzzing around Vail Town Hall for several months now.
On Thursday, the Town Council is inviting residents to talk trash during a 5 p.m. meeting at the Vail Town Council chambers.
The meeting will be a listening session to get feedback on the ongoing idea to move the town into a single-hauler waste collection system for single-family units and multi-family properties with seven units or fewer. The idea has been proposed in an effort to help the town meet several of its goals, including “increasing public health and safety, improving guest and resident experience, achieving cost efficiencies for the community and reducing environmental impacts,” according to a notice from the town published Thursday.
“The town has received feedback on the number of trash trucks on streets, large amounts of trash left in public areas and the current cost of trash services,” according to the notice.
In late 2024, the town issued a request for proposal in order to “gather information and help provide context for a decision regarding the municipalization of solid waste,” according to the notice.
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The town received three proposals from waste haulers to provide trash, recycling and composting services in town.
Each hauler provided a competitive and comprehensive proposal with a range of services including a high level of customer service, options for curbside composting, advanced truck technology, partnerships in community events and more, according to the notice. “Notably, the price range offered by the haulers in their proposals would result in savings for residents on their monthly waste hauling service price between 67% and 77% over the rate for their current service today.”
In order to municipalize trash collection in town, a mandatory six-month notification process must take place.
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“Before taking any action to kick off that process and with the recognition there are several factors outside of cost that are important to residents, the town of Vail is seeking the community’s input on a single hauler program,” according to the notice.
Plenty of feedback already
While Thursday’s meeting is an official request for comments, many residents already expressed their feelings on the matter during the council’s April 15 meeting.
Vail resident Jack Bergey said he feels trash collection should be left to the private sector.
“I’m all for smaller government, not bigger government,” Bergey said.
Kathryn Benysh, of East Vail, said the idea was an example of government overreach.
“I do not think that you can make a better choice for me than I can for myself,” Benysh said.
Kaye Ferry said the council was in search of a problem that doesn’t exist.
“I also just resent the fact that somebody is going to tell me who I’m going to write a check to every month,” she said.
Many more comments against the idea were expressed at the meeting, and the council also received more than 60 letters on the subject.
Those who are unable to attend Thursday’s meeting are being encouraged to share their thoughts in a brief survey at EngageVail.com/singlehauler. The survey will be available through June 1.
