Trash subsidies must end

Local governments should step into the trash collection business only to assure that trash gets picked up - not to provide it at a discount.

Yet, providing it at a discount is precisely what the Augusta government has foolishly done in recent years.

That needs to stop. And it can stop today.

In hopes of covering at least part of a $1.2 million deficit in the program, city officials have recommended cutting back trash pickup from twice a week to once a week. Augusta commissioners will consider it at their 2 p.m. meeting today.

The move would not affect consumers' bills, but would reduce the city's payments to haulers and, therefore, help close that deficit.

Recycling and bulky waste pickup would also move from weekly to every other week.

The commission's Administrative Services and Engineering committees have approved the changes.

City officials say a rise in pickup fees also would help - but combined with a cutback in service, that would sure sting.

Any changes to the trash service contracts approved by the commission would go into effect Jan. 1.

Once you've had twice-a-week trash service, it may seem like the apocalypse to lose it - but life goes on. Fact is, haulers report that 85 percent of the cans are half- or one-quarter empty anyway.

Those who simply can't live without it can pay a little extra to still get twice-a-week pickup.

Another change being contemplated is incorporating trash charges on water bills instead of property tax bills. It would give the city leverage to make freeloaders pay their bills, or get their water cut off.

The whole point here is to make sure the city is clean - and that everyone pitches in to make it so.

And for the city not to give away the store in the process.