Smithtown trash-collection contracts to be put out for bid as deal with embattled Jody Enterprises expires
Trash-collection contracts held by a Bay Shore carting firm charged last year with stealing recyclable paper from Smithtown are among several expiring deals the town is putting up for bid next month.
Jody Enterprises and two employees were charged with grand larceny last year by Suffolk County prosecutors, who said they diverted more than $200,000 worth of paper from Smithtown to a West Babylon salvage company. The employees pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial.
Smithtown Supervisor Patrick Vecchio said he did not know whether the charges would disqualify the company if it bids to retain its contracts. Smithtown pays Jody $2.15 million annually to collect paper recyclables in about 40 percent of the town.
The town has set a June 19 deadline for bids to pick up trash and recyclables in 12 town zones. Current carting contracts expire Dec. 31.
The charges led Babylon Town to cancel Jody’s 10-year, $78 million contract to collect trash in that town before the deal went into effect. Jody owner Giustino Gallone, 66, of Bellmore, faces felony charges for allegedly failing to disclose his partnership with another carting firm when Jody bid for the Babylon contract.
Smithtown officials had considered stripping Jody of its contract, but decided to delay taking action while the company faces criminal charges. The company is due in District Court in Central Islip on May 16.
Everything you need to know about Election Day and more from NewsdayTV
Everything you need to know about Election Day and more from NewsdayTV