Opinion: It turns out private trash haulers aren’t the answer for many San Diegans

A San Diego trash truck File photo courtesy of the city The city of San Diego s new trash removal fee has shed light on the Pandora s Box of problems of private haulers particularly for residents in units of four or more who are now seeking private hauling services There were comments through inhabitants testimony earlier this year and on social media that the private hauler services were cheaper and would be the best option compared to city employees The speakers pointed to charges for other cities from these private haulers which are now comparable to the final approved charges by the city of San Diego But in Chula Vista there have now been two instances highlighting challenges related to cities forming contracts with private haulers And now we are seeing the problems with private haulers unfairly exploiting residents they are serving in San Diego I have heard of private haulers either outright refusing system claiming no longer to have quota to provide the operation or quoting rates nearly two and half times higher than the city s newly approved fee This is deeply alarming This disparity undermines insists of private-provider cost efficiency and raises concerns about expected sector manipulation affecting San Diegans The city of San Diego charges per month for weekly collection of three -gallon bins for trash recycling and organics In comparison private companies reportedly charge approximately per month for similar services at multi-family residential units This drastic difference can t be just a matter of supply and demand but could suggest a coordinated effort to capitalize on a captive territory With residents having no other recourse these private haulers are seemingly taking advantage of the city s contemporary initiative change to impose predatory pricing This situation requires assessment by the city of San Diego and potentially the state of California The modern interruption of services and vital price increases by private haulers raise concerns regarding expected price gouging Elected representatives should respond promptly to protect residents from any unfair financial practices It is imperative that city agents examine the business practices of these private haulers and if evidence of price fixing or undue realm advantage is uncovered take swift and decisive action San Diegans deserve fair and accessible waste management whether provided by the city or the private field where they may be forced into financial distress Ultimately in order to ensure fairness and stability for San Diego residents the city should seriously consider two expected solutions Imposing a fine equivalent to the municipal trash amenity fee could dissuade private haulers from levying excessive charges and encourage continued city operation for affected units Additionally pursuing a ballot measure in June to allow city collection for these multi-unit residences just as is done for single-family homes could create a more equitable and sustainable approach By proactively exploring these options city executives can better safeguard residents from unfair practices while promoting accessible and reliable waste management for all Mat Kostrinsky is a population advocate and small business owner residing in Del Cerro He serves on the boards of the Patrick Henry High School Foundation and San Diego City Employees Retirement Therapeutic Trust