Officials of Cranberry and Center townships, because of higher-government mandates regarding recycling, are evaluating the full scope of how solid-waste collection is handled in their municipalities.

A periodic review of the collection process is appropriate, even without new state or federal requirements with which to comply.

The review should not take place with the intent to fix what doesn't need to be fixed. Unfortunately, in both of these municipalities, that is what might be evolving.

In Cranberry, the township has given approval to advertising for bids for four different scenarios of garbage and recycling-materials collection, including one under which the garbage contractor would provide all collection services but the township would buy the collection carts, bill customers, handle service inquiries and requests.

In Center, the supervisors are weighing the possibility of contracting with a single waste hauler for the entire township. There has been no public discussion yet about the township handling billing and other administrative functions.

If there have been no serious problems with households having freedom of choice in regard to who collects their garbage and recyclables, officials should opt against requiring a single contract covering the entire municipality. The ability for residents to choose at any time, based on quality of service, serves as an incentive for companies to provide good, reliable service at a competitive fee.

The plan being weighed in Cranberry, under which the township would assume billing and other responsibilities, is unnecessary, especially if it requires an extra township administrative charge that households would have to pay. Garbage haulers are capable of handling the full range of their responsibilities without a companion money-making provision for municipalities that they serve.

Cranberry residents who have expressed opposition to the one-hauler idea and the administrative-fee possibility should continue to speak out on behalf of freedom of choice and no unnecessary companion financial outlay.

Meanwhile, Center residents should be equally watchful on how the issue "shakes out" in their municipality. The fact that more garbage trucks currently use township roads each week than if there were one hauler has not resulted in extra damage to roads.

The state Department of Environmental Protection, which has recommended contracting with one hauler to serve Center Township in order to simplify recycling, should allow local officials to make such decisions. Voters elect officials to make decisions on behalf of their best interests; the state shouldn't try to impose its opinion when its opinion is not necessary for a service to operate properly.

The emphasis on ensuring a clean, healthy environment has imposed many changes in how all forms of waste are addressed. The latest push regarding recycling is the latest extension of what has been happening for a number of years as a result of growth here and throughout the state.

Cranberry and Center have an obligation to conform to laws handed down by the state and federal governments, but the townships shouldn't try to overstep those requirements to their residents' detriment.

Before opting for the single-hauler approach, they should require proof that the approach will work better, including that the costs to households would be significantly less. And, neither municipality should use the solid-waste/recycling issue to bolster their budgets.

Both municipalities should engage in much more study of the issue and possible options before making decisions.

- J.R.K.