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This plan is, with a few small changes, the same open system we have now. The haulers have made it clear that it is in their interests to keep open collection. The plan does offer individual choice, and it would not create any additional administrative burden for City Staff, as long as the haulers keep their commitment. . Potential Advantages of Open Collection . Residents can select tbe hauler that provides the level of service most compatible with their individual needs and can shop among the price options that are available. . Since Falcon Heights already has an open system, residents would not be inconvenienced by change. . Administrative cost is minimized for City. . Small haulers will face no additional competitive challenges beyond what they face now within the industry. Potential Disadvantages of Open Collection . Although choice is available, "inertia may be a compelling force" for a resident to stay with the hauler he/she has. (Quote from "Comparative Economic Analysis of MSW and Recycling Collection in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area," GBB Solid Waste Management Consultants for the l'vfinnesota Office of Environmental Assistance, 1994, page V -2.) Residents must take the time and trouble to shop around for a better rate - which can be temporary and come with strings, long term contracts and cancellation penalties - or just give in and go along with higher prices or unsatisfactory service. . Under an open system, costs must be spread over smaller and more uncertain customer base, so fees must be sufficiently high to cover fixed costs. In other words, we pay more. Operational cost savings of adding to the customer base are more likely to go to higher hauler profits than to lowered prices for customers. . It is impossible to determine whether Falcon Heights is in compliance with the Waste Management Act, which requires all residents in communities of over 5000 people to use solid waste collection services. . Individual residents and tile community as a whole will have no leverage to support local businesses and keep them viable as the industry consolidates. . MSW trucks arc heavy and have a demonstrated impact on street longevity. City streets and alleys will continue to be subject to the impact of additional truck traffic. . Another consequence of overlapping rontes and more trucks is more air pollution and more nOIse. . . Residents do not have a choice about where their refuse goes. If they choose a hauler on the basis of where the hauler says the trash goes, there is no assurance that (a) the infonnation is correct and (b) the hauler will not change practices in the future. . Major decisions that affect quality oflife in Falcon Heights and the future of our enviromnent will be driven by corporate pliorities, not local interests. . City of Falcon Heights Final Report on Organized Collection October 13, 2004 30