The St. Charles Parish Council will consider an ordinance at their Dec. 20 meeting that could change the contractor for garbage pickups in the parish at a much lower price - - $9.74 per month per resident which is $2.25 below the price of $11.99 offered by the current contractor, IESI.

But the low bidder, SDT Waste and Debris Services, would charge more than the current contractor if curbside recycling were added to the contract. It would amount to $13.71, compared to $13.54 if IESI were to do it.

Council members who support the lowest proposal argue that residents who want recycling can opt to hire other companies that offer the service separate from the garbage collection at $10 and up per month. So the question is how many residents of the parish want  and will use the recycling service if it is included in the contract.

That decision should be made by the people who will get the service or services and pay the price.  And the results of that should be determined by the councilmen who can seek the input from residents and from there determine how the lower or higher prices will best serve the parish.

Recycling of waste is certainly in the best interest of our future. But the public should determine if they want to do it curbside and bear the extra cost.

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