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Kalamazoo May Rethink Trash Pick-up Cutbacks

Andy Robins
/
WMUK

Kalamazoo City officials say they may rethink a decision to cut back on bulk trash pick-ups. The city cut the number of trash collections from once-a-month to six times a year in 2016 to save money. But Kalamazoo County Drain Commissioner Pat Crowley says that's hurt the environment, and neighborhoods. Crowley spoke to city commissioners on Monday, June 19.

"With the cutback from monthly city bulk pick-ups, contractors, landlords, and regular citizens are simply skipping out on their legal obligations and choosing to dump on others."

But City Commissioner Erin Knott says the city shouldn't make any "knee-jerk" changes. She says many residents approved to the reduced pick-up schedule because less trash wound up in front of their homes.

"Bulk trash pick-up encourages just dumping it on the curb, or in a drain, in a waterway, instead of recycling. So, I'm hoping that, as we're looking at the climate action plan and waste management that this is a conversation that compliments one another."

Andy Robins has been WMUK's News Director since 1998 and a broadcast journalist for over 24 years. He joined WMUK's staff in 1985. Under his direction, WMUK has received numerous awards for news reporting.
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