BIDDEFORD — City waste pickup for some multi-family apartment buildings of six or more, and some other commercial properties, would end once the city’s new recycling program goes into effect July 1, if a proposed ordinance amendment approved by the policy committee Tuesday goes into effect.
During the 1980s, the city stopped waste pickup for commercial properties, including apartment buildings with six or more units. City waste services were continued for approximately 120 of those properties, however, and these exemptions were codified in 2002.
Over the protests of some landlords, the policy committee voted 3-2 to recommend a measure that would eliminate the grandfathering provision that allows city waste pickup for about half of the exempted properties.
Under the proposal, properties with new ownership since July 2002 will no longer be afforded waste pickup services by the city.
In addition, as the remaining grandfathered properties, of which there are approximately 50, are sold, they too will lose their grandfathered status.
Changes to the waste program were recommended by city staff while drafting amendments to the solid waste ordinance for a new recycling program set to begin July 1.
As part of the city’s agreement to purchase the Maine Energy Recovery Company waste-to-energy incinerator from Casella Waste Systems, it agreed to contract with the company for recycling pickup. The incinerator, located on Lincoln Street, closed Dec. 31.
Beginning July 1, the city will participate in a zero-sort, curbside pickup recycling program.
Casella will supply waste and recycling containers to Biddeford residents. Its subsidiary, Pine Tree Waste Services, will pick up residents’ recyclable material and the city will continue to pick up trash.
In an effort to increase recycling and reduce waste, a pay-per-bag system will also be put in place. Residents who have waste in excess of what will fit in the city-supplied waste container will have to purchase specific bags to dispose of their extra garbage.
A number of landlords who would be affected by the ordinance changes to eliminate the grandfathering provision spoke against the proposed amendment.
“I’m extremely opposed to having my taxes taken out and not getting (waste pickup) service,” said property owner Richard Langevin, who owns several grandfathered properties. “We don’t want to incur another expense.”
Seth Harkness, who owns several six-unit apartment buildings, said when he purchased his properties, waste pickup by the city was factored into the price.
“To change it now to brings up issues of inequity,” he said.
In addition, said Harkness, he and other landlords want to participate in the recycling program.
Solid Waste Management Commission Chairman Paul Therrien said he supports continuing to pick up trash at properties that have been grandfathered for decades.
“Let’s honor those promises we made, and let’s go forward from here,” he said.
Policy committee members Renee O’Neil and Bob Mills said instead of ending the grandfathering provision for properties that changed hands after 2002, current property owners should continue to be grandfathered. They agreed with the provision that when those buildings are sold going forward, city waste pickup should be discontinued.
Policy committee member Brad Cote said he believes the city’s commitment was only made to those who owned their properties before the codification and didn’t apply to newer property owners.
Policy committee member Laura Seaver said she felt it’s unfair that only some six-family unit property owners receive the city waste service.
— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.
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