JOE LINTNER | COLUMBIA SPY
Mayor Leo Lutz is advocating for Columbia Borough to switch to a single-hauler trash collection system.
At Tuesday’s borough council meeting, Lutz cited the number of different haulers on borough streets as one reason for going to a single hauler. “It’s well over a dozen different haulers running around this town,” Lutz estimated.
“It’s time for us to get with the rest of the world,” Lutz said. “Everybody around us, and probably most of Lancaster County is going to the single-hauler system.” Lutz previously opposed the idea when it was discussed in 2019.
Currently, Columbia residents may select their own trash company from among several providers. Under a single-hauler system, the borough would contract with one company to handle all residential trash collection. The borough would oversee collection and payment. Lutz proposed issuing an RFP (Request for Proposals) for a single trash hauler for the borough.
Lutz also cited cost savings for residents as another reason for using a single hauler. He said Mountville Borough, which uses a single hauler, charges $70 a quarter for trash pickup, whereas he just paid $112 for the service.
Council explored the idea in 2019
When council explored the idea at an October 2019 councilwork session, residents, business owners and Lutz opposed the idea of a single hauler.Then-councilman John Novak opened the discussion by offering some potential positives of a single-hauler:
- Less impact on roads
- Less traffic
- Reduced cost
- Recycling improvement
- Reduced noise pollution
Lutz, however, argued that a single-hauler would put local trash companies out of business and eliminate jobs for borough residents. He also said a large hauler wouldn’t provide special pickups for items like mattresses or televisions.
“You’re not going to get a big hauler to do that kind of work, that kind of assistance for you,” Lutz said.
Also at that meeting, several residents commented, all of whom opposed using a single hauler:
JoAnn Fritz: “Just because you’re going to get a cheap estimate – cheap is not the best.”
Shirley McBride: “I’ve been through the single hauler, and it was an absolute nightmare.”
Sharon Lintner: “Gamby is the best. As long as you pick him, I’m for it.”
Kelly Kline of River Valley Disposal: “Cheaper is not better. You’re not going to be able to control the quality of what you get with a single hauler.”
Howard Stevens: “Mr. Gamby and River Valley – You couldn’t ask for anything better.”
Frank Doutrich: “Myself, I’m happy with my hauler.”
Robin Gamby of Gamby’s Disposal Service: “There’s a lot that’s been given back to this town by the trash haulers that are represented here.”
Heather Zink: “Let us enjoy the good service that we enjoy.”
Council revisited the topic in 2024
Council revisited the topic in September 2024, when then-President Heather Zink said tracking trash violations was difficult because the borough doesn’t receive notification when companies stop service due to unpaid bills. She suggested residents could save money with a single hauler.
At that meeting, Lutz cited the pending retirements of two longtime local hauling company owners as reason to consider a single hauler, saying “the time is right.”
Columbia Spy 