Present Democratic state representatives and a former one from the unincorporated area of south St. Louis County have joined the opposition to trash collection districts in the unincorporated area. Republicans from that area earlier had objected strongly against the idea.

Their actions leave County Executive Charlie Dooley, a Democrat, with virtually no political support for half of the of eight trash collection districts the county wants to organize.

State Rep. Sue Schoemehl, D-Oakville, and former State Rep. Joan Barry, D-Oakville, issued statements on Thursday opposing trash collection districts.

Schoemehl was the last of the four state representatives who come from the bulk of unincorporated South County to object publicly to the county’s plans. Barry is running for state senator from the 1st District, which covers much of the same area.

State Reps. Jim Lembke and Walt Bivins, the two Republicans who represent part of unincorporated south St. Louis County and County Councilman John Campisi, R-south St. Louis County, the council member from most of that area lashed out against the idea at a newsconference last Friday.

State Rep. Pat Yaeger, D-Lemay, objected to the plan on Tuesday.

Barry said the trash plan “has generated a lot of anger, confusion and apprehension. We need to resolve these issues, but at the lowest price and optimal service level for everyone.”

She said:

>The county should “immediately halt the present process.”

> A committee should form to study solutions to trash problems, which she said were illegal dumping of trash and yard waste, illegal burning, and a lack of recycling options and bulky waste removal.

> “The entire process should be put to a vote of the people.” The voters of south St. Louis County would consider the recommendations of the committee.

Schoemehl suggested that the county start a trash district pilot project.

“My constituents want savings on their costs, but choice of trash companies, a simplified way to recycle, reduction of truck traffic and safe streets,” she said.

Currently, householders in the unincorporated area arrange for their own trash collection. The county plans calls for it to select a single hauler for each district through bids. The haulers would collect trash and recyclable material once a week and provide bulky pickup twice a year.

Opponents say the districts would take away householders’ ability to choose their own haulers, put small haulers out of business and result in higher costs.

County officials have said the districts would provide service at lower cost, expand recycling and reduce the number of trash trucks on subdivision streets, easing wear and tear on these streets.

Barry said Democratic legislators who represent parts of unincorporated South County met last November with Darin Cline of Dooley’s staff to express their concerns about trash collection districts. Individual Democratic legislators have talked to Dooley’s office since then, she said.