Thurmont discusses possible changes
 to bulk trash pickup

Stephanie Mlot
Frederick News-Post

(8/10) Despite previous modifications to its trash policy, the town is looking into more changes.

Thurmont offers quarterly bulk trash pickup to residents, which is twice as often as most municipalities, said Bob Clark, president of Key Sanitation Inc. But in order to save the town money, they may cut back to two yearly pickups.

The board was discussing possible programs the town can try to ensure contribution and cost savings during a town workshop.

Participation in Thurmont bulk trash varies, Clark told the mayor and board of commissioners Monday night. The last pickup had about 900 households participate; the previous one had about 600.

Commissioner Ron Terpko proposed a sticker system, where residents would come to the town office to receive stickers indicating bulk trash versus regular trash.

Brunswick 's roll-off dumpster program was determined to be likely to cost more than the town is already paying in removal and tipping fees.

Clark brought up the idea that the local Goodwill could get involved, potentially choosing materials to sell at the store.

"Someone's trash is someone else's treasure," he said. "It's a shame some of the things that we crush that would be (useable)."

The mayor requested projected costs from the county and the public's input.

"When we went from every week down to once a quarter, we were afraid we'd see the streets littered," Mayor Martin Burns said.

He said this is when residents should offer their trucks and assistance, when "we pull together as a community."

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