Springfield Township officials are not happy with revisions in a cooperative household hazardous waste collection plan, but they will go along for now.
In the meantime, they will ‘actively explore? possible participation in Independence Township’s independent program.
Discussion at the Thursday, Jan. 8 township board meeting revealed some frustration with those leading the North Oakland County Hazardous Waste Consortium (popularly known as ‘NoHaz?).
Springfield officials last year agreed to share in the cost of the program despite several concerns. The revised agreement for 2004 presents new concerns, including the elimination of a local collection site.
Trustees agreed to approve the official interlocal agreement, which also removes the opportunity for local governments to review proposals from vendors who hope to conduct collection of items such as pesticides, household cleaners, batteries and paint for safe disposal.
The new agreement does, however, give local municipalities a 45-day window to withdraw from the consortium if they disagree with the county’s choice for vendor.
‘Quite frankly, my opinion is to can the whole thing,? Supervisor Collin Walls said, noting the frustration of having only an e-mailed draft to vote on. He wondered about whether county officials will have a vendor selected 45 days prior to the first scheduled collection date in April. ‘They still have figured out the final draft agreement with the municipalities.?
Officials said 22 Springfield Township residents participated in NoHaz collections last year, with at least half of those going to the Road Commission for Oakland County site on Davisburg Road. That location was removed from the projected 2004 schedule, with the closest locations being While Lake and Waterford.
‘That’s the part that gets me,? Clerk Nancy Strole said. ‘I can’t see following through on this program. It’s just not convenient.?
Independence Township has conducted its own household hazardous waste collection for some time. Walls had not made contact with Independence Township officials, but said he would to explore a possible cooperative effort.
‘We should at least find out if that’s possible and what it would cost,? he said.
Walls said it was insulting to receive a call during last year’s collection when a Springfield Township resident ‘conscientiously? saved paint cans for more than 20 years because he didn’t want to put them in a landfill.
‘I was contacted because staff was concerned that he had so many,? Walls said. ‘What’s the reason for the program??
Trustees eventually agreed to approve the interlocal agreement, but immediately voted to ‘actively explore? an arrangement with Independence Township.
‘It will give our representative an opportunity to strongly encourage them to put a location somewhere closer,? Walls said.