The driver of a Russo Sanitation truck learned last week that picking up residential trash in New Paltz without a license is a serious matter; he found himself handcuffed and warned that the garbage truck would be impounded if he were caught doing it again.
Supervisor Neil Bettez acknowledged at the meeting that this would be a loss of choice, but he believes the benefits gained are worth it.
By contracting with a single trash hauler to service the entire town, local officials aim to cut costs and wear and tear on town and village roads. But some residents say they should be allowed to choose their own hauler.
As it stands now, different waste-carting companies pick up from their customers on different days. That means there’s almost always garbage cans at the side of the road, adding to visual and odor pollution, as well as large, noisy trucks rumbling up and down streets.