In 2012, when Martin Zawarski was serving his first year as a Bethehem township commissioner, he suggested that the township abandon its current practice of allowing multiple private trash haulers in favor of a single hauler. It never got beyond the suggestion phase.

Now Zawarski is president of the board, and at the Oct. 3 meeting the commissioners were treated to a single hauler feasibility report presented by Steven Deasy, the Sustainable Project Manager at Gannett Fleming. The project was funded through a $7,500 grant that Manager Melissa Shafer said had been approved by commissioners earlier this year.

Deasy recommended a switch to a single trash hauler from the current system of 10 private haulers. He also suggested that the Recycling Center be expanded. Zawarski was ready to solicit bids that night, but other commissioners thought it was more important to seek out public input.

Last year, both the city of Bethlehem and Upper Nazareth Township decided against a single trash hauler after contentious debates. Palmer Township, however, made the switch.

In his presentation and report, Deasy said the following:

Ÿ Approximately 9,300 households are served by 10 different private hauling companies.

Ÿ Between 10 and 20 percent of township residents have no contract with a private hauler and dispose of their garbage by other means. This estimate is a statewide average, based on conversations with haulers.

Ÿ There are 110.31 miles of township roads and another 27.2 miles of state roads in Bethlehem Township.

Ÿ Garbage trucks have the greatest negative impact on roads of all vehicles, with the exception of buses.

Ÿ The notion that competition among private haulers results in a lower bill is a common misconception. In reality, trash bills at single hauler municipalities are 15 to 35 percent lower than in municipalities with private haulers.

Ÿ Residents pay an average of $468 per year for trash removal now. With a single hauler, the price could drop to a $320 per year average.

Ÿ Converting to a single hauler is a sensitive issue, but without a bid, it is impossible to answer questions from residents.

Ÿ Performance bonds should be kept as low as possible to encourage bids from small and medium-sized haulers.

In addition to recommending a single hauler, Deasy advocated changes at the Recycling Center, located on Falmer Road. He suggested it be open longer, or that hours be shifted so that it is open in the early evening, when people get off work. He also suggested that the township stop giving away woody wastes. "Sell it," he urged.

Deasy's single hauler proposal came under almost immediate attack from citizens at the meeting.

Bill Berry, himself a former commissioner, suggested the matter be put up for referendum.

Barry Roth was the most vocal critic.

"Once again, Big Government is going to come in and shove [private haulers] out of business ... You guys wouldn't like it if there was only one developer in this township." He also predicted, "When this goes to public hearing, this place is gonna be packed. You're gonna need a bigger room."

Not yet. With the exception of Zawarski, the commissioners remain unwilling to seek bid proposals without surveying whether there is public support.

"Listen to the people first," recommended Pat Breslin.

In other business, the commissioners agreed to hire DelVal Soil and Environmental Consulting for wetlands analysis at the rate of $75-150 per hour. Solicitor Jim Broughal said the development proposed at Green Pond marsh is part of the reason, but added that a recent Supreme Court decision places the burden on township officials to ensure that all environmental standards are met.