Village totes ordered
Garbage Code public hearing set
by JILL SCHMELZER Reporter

Village of Williamsville residents can expect to receive their garbage totes between April 15 and May 15.

Officials decided to eliminate the use of garbage cans and instead use the totes to help alleviate a rodent problem faced by parts of Williamsville, Mayor Mary Lowther said during Monday night's Village Board meeting.

Each resident will receive one 95-gallon green tote and will be charged $65 for a user fee, village officials said.

"The plan now is that each household will receive one 95-gallon tote along with instructions to call if a smaller (65-gallon) tote is needed," Mayor Mary Lowther said. "The price will be the same whether a 95 or 65 (gallon) tote is used."

She noted that there is a slight cost difference in the two totes. However, because the smaller one would require a second delivery charge, the total cost is about the same.

The larger tote will work for most households, the mayor said, because the standard garbage can is 30 gallons. This means the 95-gallon container will hold up to 3 regular-sized garbage cans.

Old waste containers can be used for green waste, as long as no trash or garbage is mixed in, Lowther said.

Research showed that tipping costs will decrease because totes have a built-in lid, therefore rain and snow will not seep inside.

"Also, because most people have one tote, they tend to recycle more because of the finite space available in the tote," Lowther said, adding that the village is paid for recycled items.

"It will be a winner all the way around," she said.

In order for totes to be implemented in the village, the Garbage Code must be updated to eliminate the use of cans and plastic bags for garbage waste and institute the use of totes, officials said.

A public hearing will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 26 in Village Hall, 5565 Main St., Williamsville.

In another matter, volunteers are needed for the Meeting House Events, Beautification, Mayor's Mill and Farmer's Market committees. Interested residents should call Village Hall at 632-4120 for meeting schedules.