EDITORIAL: Let sun set on trash program

Does it make any sense for government to lose money providing a service when the private sector can perform the function just as well and without expense to taxpayers?

We don't think so. Which is why the City of Aiken should end its practice of providing commercial garbage pickup to customers inside the city limits. The City lost about $85,000 last year in providing this service to many commercial properties. At the same time, local businesses have four private firms from which to choose - some with rates less expensive than those offered by the City.

Government services are appropriate when an essential need is met that cannot be provided by private enterprise. To offer a service such as commercial trash collection in competition with identical services from private business not only interferes with the private enterprise, in this case it is actually costing the other taxpayers in Aiken who have to help pay for the $85,000 shortfall.

One of the criticisms of government at all levels is that it does not seem to have the ability to stop programs when the need for services no longer exists. This is a perfect time for the City to recognize that private business is offering a reliable service, to compress a service and to save the taxpayers money. That sounds like a win-win situation for all concerned.