Changes in Refuse Collection procedures and fees to be considered

The Lakeland Board of Commissioners will review possible changes to solid waste (refuse) collection procedures and rates at the Work Session on Monday, October 27, 2008. This will include an amendment to the contract with All Star Waste Services and an amendment to the rate structure.

The proposal is based on the following circumstances:

-The contract with All Star Waste Services expires December 31, 2009. (I had previously incorrectly advised several residents it expired December 31, 2008.)

-We have had requests for regular recycling pickups and yard waste (tree limbs, leaves etc.) pickup. Weekly pickup would eliminate or reduce many of the problems concerning pickup of yard waste.

-Starting with the new contract on January 1, 2010 (this will be bid in late 2009), the City will require more separation of yard waste (recycling) etc. and improved recycling containers that we cannot realistically require in this contract due to the high capital costs and only one year remaining in the contract.

-The City Storm Water Management program emphasizes reducing contamination of the surface water ( resulting contamination of creeks and lakes etc.) and control of litter. Increased pickup up yard waste and recycling will help meet this goal.

The proposed changes, to be effective January 1, 2009 are:

1. Weekly pickup of recycling. All Star will pick up all recycling on a weekly basis. Existing bids would be used. In addition, customer supplied hinged carts etc. of recycling up to 65 gallons and a maximum of 50 pounds will be picked up. (My understanding is newspapers will need to be separated from the other recycling). The hinged/covered carts will prevent recycling items from being blown out of carts. Any carts would be a customer provided item and are not required.

2. Weekly pickup of all yard waste (grass, limbs etc.). All bagged leaves will be picked up by All Star regardless of the number. Heavier loads of limbs, branches and brush will be picked up by a specialized truck (a “knuckleboom” truck). Yard waste will not be recycled this year, but Lakeland proposes to require the contractor to recycle yard waste (rather than putting it in a landfill) starting in 2010 in order to begin compliance with regulations proposed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

The proposed fee for the increased services, along with a scheduled rate increase, will increase refuse collection rates for Lakeland residents to $20.53 per month.

Residents are welcome to attend the Board of Commissioners Work Session, which starts at 6:30 p.m., Monday, October 27, 2008.

Comments or questions can be e-mailed to a temporary e-mail set up for comments or questions at CityofLakeland@gmail.com or at Lakeland City Hall, 10001 Highway 70, Lakeland, (867-2717) Comments may also be made through the web site at www.lakelandtn.gov.