Hilton Head seeks proposals for trash and recycling haulers, but sets slow pace

Before deciding who would have exclusive rights to collect trash and recycling on Hilton Head Island, town officials want to know more about how much it would cost and how such a program would work.

Town Council authorized staff Tuesday to ask companies to submit proposals and cost estimates.

Mayor Tom Peeples said he hopes the companies' proposals will help council decide whether to proceed with the plan, which would apply to all single-family homes, as well as some multi-family homes, such as condos.

"We'll all be armed with all kinds of knowledge and know where to go from there," Peeples said.

The idea to contract with only one or two trash removal and recycling providers is an attempt to encourage residents to recycle more by providing some cost incentives.

Under the plan, eligible residents who want their trash and recycling picked up would be required to get those services from the assigned winning bidder.

The plan would replace the current practice, in which many companies criss-cross the island to pick up trash and recycling.

The winning company or companies would provide residents who want service with a standard cart for trash and bins for recyclable materials. Residents could opt for a larger cart at an additional charge.

Successful bidders also would be required to develop a recycling education program for customers.

Town staff hopes that education -- coupled with the prospect of additional costs -- would lead residents to recycle more and throw away less. They also hope economies of scale will lead to lower costs for residents.

Residents who don't want the service could continue to take their trash and recycling to Beaufort County convenience centers.

Some residents and council members have expressed reluctance to have the town dictate which company residents must use, but at least one councilman said his opposition is softening.

George Williams said he was "greatly concerned" about the idea at first but has heard encouragement from neighbors.

"So far, the feedback in my community has been, 'What's taking you guys so long. Let's get on with it,' " Williams said.

Town manager Steve Riley said he expects staff won't have new information to present until 2010.

In other action:

The Hilton Head Town Council on Tuesday nominated Port Royal Plantation resident Joe Zimmerman to serve on the Beaufort County Airports Board. The Beaufort County Council must approve the nomination.Zimmerman would replace former representative Monte Heath, who left town, town manager Steve Riley said.