Diamond Bar : Council Rejects Trash Train

The City Council on Tuesday decided not to board the so-called trash train proposed to alleviate a landfill shortage in the San Gabriel Valley.

The San Gabriel Valley Assn. of Cities had proposed a joint-powers agreement with the County Sanitation Districts for a 25-year contract to have wastes hauled out of the area by train. The landfill situation will be critical by the end of 1991, said Joe Haworth of the sanitation districts.

Administrative analyst Troy L. Butzlaff said the rail system would increase Diamond Bar residents’ yearly trash costs by 50%. No San Gabriel Valley cities have signed the agreement, although most support considering the plan, he said.

Councilwoman Phyllis E. Papen said such a contract would give whatever company is selected too much control. “We’re not the conductor, it’s not our train, but they’re saying, ‘Get on board,’ ” she said.