The town will be discontinuing backdoor garbage pickup because of budgetary reasons. This cut only impacts some residents-- the overwhelming majority of residents in the town have always put their garbage out at the curb. We anticipate that we will save about $400,000 a year (we were able to reduce the sanitation workforce by five employees). In 2009 all garbage pickup will be at the curb --similar to our current requirement for paper, plastic recycling).
Although most people will have no problem taking their garbage to the curb (we recommend garbage cans with wheels), some senior citizens and disabled residents have contacted me advising me of difficulties they are having.
We are contacting private carters and will be compiling a list of companies that are willing to provide back door service for a fee.
In addition -- I am trying to match up senior citizens and disabled residents with neighbors or students who will volunteer and take the garbage out from the house to the curb once or twice a week. If you are interested in helping out by reaching out to neighbors who have legitimate problems OR if you would be willing to help one or two residents out by taking their garbage out for them -- please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com or call me at 993-1545 (cell:438-1343). Volunteers will be assigned to only people who have major medical problems and need the assistance.
Thank you for your help.
PAUL FEINER