A Gwinnett County judge put an end to socialized trash service yesterday:

Judge Michael C. Clark ruled the county plan, which was to begin Jan. 2, violated state law by delegating governmental functions to a private entity, Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful Services. The nonprofit corporation had been tapped by the county to administer a new waste program that expanded and mandated recycling and that consolidated service by contracting with two haulers.

Clark granted the injunction sought by Southern Sanitation and Sanitation Solutions, two haulers who said the new program would run them out of business.

“This is an answered prayer,” said Buddy Johnson, owner of Southern Sanitation. “As far as I understand, we’re still in business, and all our employees will be very excited.”

This also blocks a $500 fine that would have been imposed on Gwinnett County residents who did not recycle. Nevermind the myths surrounding recycling, and Penn & Teller did an excellent episode on this in season two of Bullshit!. If you can find it, watch it.

This is a victory for the free market. Competition is a good thing.