Piermont: What's Cheaper, DPW Garbage Collection or Private Garbage Collection?

Several municipalities in Rockland are looking for methods to tighten their purse strings and reduce costs, which begs the question: would Piermont save money if it switched from DPW trash pick-up to a private trash pick-up company?

Not according to a recent study carried out by Piermont's Independent Budget Committee (IBC), a group of volunteer residents that provide objective financial advice to the village.

For years, Piermont's DPW has picked up garbage, leaves and other rubbish for some 1,325 residential units, at an annual cost of $133.79 per unit. (Which takes into account labor, fuel and other variables.) In total, trash collection in Piermont costs $177,271 each year when carried out by the DPW, IBC members discovered.

Recently, the IBC spoke with a private contractor to see what their cost would be. Using South Nyack's private garbage collection system as a benchmark, the private contractor estimated it would cost Piermont $240,000 each year.

"The cost comparisons show that Piermont does an efficient, cost-effective job of garbage collection," reported Fred Devan, chair of the IBC, to Piermont trustees at last week's meeting. Devan noted Piermont's current use of the DPW saves approximately $63,000 each year.

Still, the IBC offered the village recommendations on how to save further. Devan noted that by reducing the DPW's staff to five from the current six would result in savings. Further, he suggested hiring third-parties to clean village buildings and maintain the 12 village parks. In total, these recommendations could save around $50,000 each year, Devan said.