Are garbage services due for a change?

St. Charles Parish Council is considering bids to provide garbage services that could change who picks up our garbage and trash in the morning.

It is a difficult task because the present contractor, IESI, has done an excellent job in providing the service. But it is faced by a lower bid from SDT Waste and Debris Services that would save the parish about $1.4 million over a five-year period.

IESI has offered to reduce its present rate from $11.99 to $11.29 per month for each residential pickup with a provision to add .12 cents per month if the price of diesel exceeds $3 per gallon. SDT has offered the service for $10.29 per month without an increase for fuel cost fluctuation.

Certainly, the council should consider the SDT offer and compare the satisfaction with that company’s services in other areas with that of IESI here. Also to be considered is if tree limbs and other trash not considered garbage is included in the contract. That is certainly a biggie here in St. Charles where trees are abundant.

If the services would be similar, obviously SDT should get the job. If the difference is significant, the council needs to determine which company will serve St. Charles Parish better in consideration of the price to be paid and the services to be received for it.