April 14, 2017

For Immediate Release

Prince George’s County Councilman Mel Franklin Launches Once-A-Week Trash Feedback Survey

45-Day Online Poll to Gather County Resident Feedback about Last Year’s Controversial Change from Twice-A-Week Service

Contact: Mel@melfranklin.net

Upper Marlboro, MD – On Thursday, April 13, 2017, Council Member Mel Franklin (D-District 9) launched an online survey of county residents to get feedback about their approval of 2016’s change from twice-a-week to once-a-week trash pick-up service.  The reduction in service reportedly saved $6 million annually, significantly increased recycling rates, and made the County’s service similar to the once-a-week service of surrounding jurisdictions in the region.  Nonetheless, many residents expressed vigorous disapproval for losing one of their trash service days and raised concerns about implementation issues, such as the delay in receiving new trash cans.  Councilman Franklin released the following statement:

“I am a firm believer in evaluating and re-evaluating policy changes to determine whether we have made the right decision.  A big part of that determination is getting feedback from the residents we serve.  The change to once-a-week trash service was a rough transition and still elicits mixed opinions throughout the County, despite some benefits.  The Once-A-Week Trash Feedback Survey is designed to gauge whether our residents approve of the change, which should help guide our future policy decisions.”

To take the Once-A-Week Trash Feedback Survey, residents should go to www.tinyurl.com/onceaweektrash.  The survey does not allow for duplicate responses and requires a valid name, county address, phone, and e-mail to have a person’s survey vote counted.  The survey will run for 45 days until May 28 and the detailed final results will be shared publicly.  The survey’s current results can be viewed at www.tinyurl.com/onceaweektrash-results.

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