I was surprised to read in the Kent Reporter (Jan. 1) that our City Council is considering what appears to be crony capitalism by requiring businesses to use only one company to collect recyclables.
This effectively closes the door to open market forces that keeps fees in check by encouraging competition and efficiency.
With no competition it is just a matter of time before prices rise, service quality suffers and the list of acceptable items shrinks – all in an effort to push profits to the top.
What is really surprising about this proposal is it suggests the inevitable closure of independent recyclers (small businesses) in the area that will be completely shut out.
At the very least, businesses should be able to make a choice in a market governed by supply and demand and good old fashioned competition in the open market to reach their own decision about who meets their needs best.
At least the council is willing to go through the motions of surveying the businesses, but it almost sounds like a done deal from the tone of the story.
– Steve Gazzoli
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