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Rural Garbage Contractor Needs To Improve, Says Committee

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HUNTINGDON (January 21) ­­— The Carroll County Solid Waste Committee is not happy with the solid waste collection service of Republic Services. After almost 90 days of its contract of the same length, Republic Services is still inconsistent in its collection of rural residents’ solid waste, placed in rolling containers at the curbside.

Lisa Easterwood and Jeremy Keith of Republic Services represented the company and acknowledged the difficulty of collecting and disposing of the garbage, oftentimes bypassing roads. They indicated they have had trouble hiring drivers, and the winter weather and pandemic exacerbated the situation. Prior to entering the emergency contract, the company warned of the difficulty of starting up the collection service, noting it takes months to properly acquire equipment, personnel, and map the service area.

Carroll County has mandatory, once-weekly curbside solid waste service for its rural residents. Residents are charged $18 monthly for the service. That price is expected to increase up to $25 monthly.

Republic Services agreed to a 90-day contract to collect and dispose of the rural residents’ waste on or about November 1, 2021 after the previous contractor, Red River Waste Solutions, suddenly ceased operations in the county amid its bankruptcy in early October 2021. Republic is seeking a five-year contract at the end of the 90-day emergency contract.

Members of the committee complained of inconsistent days of collection, skipped cans, collecting waste on one side of a road, but not the other, and totally ignoring some areas.

Committee members John Mann, Steve Parker and John Austin, along with Mayor Joseph Butler and Jeff Heyduck participated in the meeting. In the audience were seven additional county commissioners.

County Commissioner John Austin told Republic Services representatives that a five-year contract, at approximately $1.4 million annually, is doubtful based on the company’s service performance during the past 90 days. He questioned if the company would enter another 90-day contract, which would provide another timeframe to improve services. Mr. Keith said he would have the answer concerning a possible second 90-day contract either Monday or Tuesday, January 24 or 25.

Republic Services representatives said they are attempting to add a third driver and mapping equipment to better service the county.

Heyduck praised local manager Lisa Easterwood for working with the county but noted Republic Services corporation is not providing her with the resources to be successful. Heyduck noted residents have more household waste during the pandemic because they are eating and staying at home more. In general, there is 50 to 70 tons more waste per month.

Danny Witherspoon, owner of Rakk Solid Waste, LLC of Milan, said he seeks the opportunity to speak to the committee about offering curbside collection in the rural part of the county. He said he operates J-Dog Junk Removal, providing rolloff dumpsters throughout the area. In October 2021, he added curbside collection of solid waste and now has about 600 customers. He suggested a rate of $25 per household plus $10 for each additional rolling cart. He said he has contacted Red River about purchasing their 90-plus gallon rolling carts that are still being used by Carroll County citizens even though Republic has the temporary contract. Witherspoon said he has the mapping program and persons interested in driving for him should he expand his services.

No decision was made during the meeting as the county awaits Republic’s decision whether or not to enter another 90-day contract.