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. . . "Any concerns about not having the choice of haulers at that time, whether residents or businesses, have been mitigated to a good degree by the buyouts since 1996, resulting in few, if any choices available." (14) In 2002 Ramsey and Washington Counties initiated an extensive study of public collection that included a major effort toward public participation and education. Of the four alternatives considered by the two counties, the fInal report found that implementing public collection was the best solution to meet the goals of the counties. However, because this alternative required major system changes and met with much opposition, implementation was seen to be excessively difficult. The counties ended up pursning a less satisfactory option - "Change Financing and Regulation" - which was seen to be easier to implement. Two changes that carne about under this option were (1) the transfer of the County Environmental Charge from the property tax statement to each trash hauling bill, and (2) long term contracts with haulers to assure delivery of waste to the Resource Recovery Facility. (15) The final report noted that public opinion is divided on the issue of organized collection: . Those that support public collection do so mainly for one of various reasons: because it would address garbage truck traffic; it would be more efficient; because of experience elsewhere; because it could cost less or because it supports environmental, health and safety goals. . Those that oppose public collection are quite vocal, and do so for several reasons: concern with increasing government involvement; desire to retain choice in selecting a garbage hauler; concern for small businesses; a perception that costs will increase; belief that there is no problem; not agreeing with the environmental goals. (16) These fIndings describe very well the public response in Falcon Heights. The report also notes: The waste industry is vigorously opposed to public collection, and is willing ,pend significant funds and take strong steps to prevent it. (17) That has certainly proved to be the case in Falcon Heights. The RarnseylW ashington report left the door open to implementing public collection at some time in the future if the compromise recommendations do not move the system toward the environmental goals. Notes 1. "Public Collection Study: Final Report," Ramsey/Washington County Resource Recovery Project, 2002, Appendix 2F. 2. Ibid. City of Falcon Heights Final Report on Organized Collection October 13, 2004 27