Parkersburg Privatization Push Sparks Regulatory Review

Privatization of sanitation, recycling and waste management services is something that the residents of Parkersburg are requesting the officials to take control over.

With the city of Parkersburg considering the option of privatization of its sanitation system, the recycling and waste management issues have led to a formal request to be addressed to the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC). The relocation is following the opening of one bid by Rumpke of Ohio Inc. on subscription-based curbside recycling by the city officials, with a fee increase beginning at 15.25 a month and increasing over time.

The proposal falls under larger negotiations in recycling and waste management, where both Rumpke and Waste Management have put forward bids to be able to process city sanitation services, which also includes recycling. An independent optional recycling program was also suggested later, where the residents would have the option of paying to participate.

The potential privatization has been requested by local property owner Carole Hanlon to the PSC because of a deficiency in public consultation. She is demanding a formal inquiry, cost evaluation and open hearing to determine the effect of recycling and waste management service modifications that concern each household.

To vote on multi-year sanitation and recycling contracts, City Council has planned a South Boston public meeting on Jan. 6. Officials said that concerning the fact that the contracts have not received the status of a negotiation yet, it was still the prerogative of the council to accept or decline them.

The controversy is coming after a suspension of curbside recycling early this year that has increased questions of recycling and waste management in Parkersburg in the future. The next step will be the decision on whether to open an investigation within the next few weeks, taken by the PSC.