New Gwinnett trash plan starts July 1

LAWRENCEVILLE - A new garbage and recycling program begins on Thursday, July 1, 2010, in unincorporated Gwinnett County.

City residents are not affected by the new plan.

Gwinnett County has mailed letters to all residential property owners with details about the new plan, the assigned hauler and new garbage and recycling pickup day.

As part of the new program, Gwinnett County has contracted with five private haulers that will each serve a designated area of unincorporated Gwinnett.

Gwinnett County's new solid waste program offers several benefits, including more efficient and cost-effective solid waste service and cleaner neighborhoods through a reduction in illegal dumping, neighborhood truck traffic and wear and tear on the streets.

The plan will also increase recycling opportunities.

The state of Georgia requires all its counties to update solid waste disposal plans every 10 years and to work toward reducing the solid waste deposited in landfills. This plan will accomplish that goal.

The new base service includes weekly trash pickup of household waste, 35 types of recyclables, bulky items (old furniture, mattresses, etc.) and white goods (stoves, refrigerators, etc.).

Residents should contact their assigned hauler to schedule pickup of bulky items and white goods. Yard waste collection is an elective service that residents will subscribe to directly through their hauler.

Cart and bin delivery were scheduled to go out starting this week.

Information about trash carts and recycling bins will be included in the countywide mailing.

The base service fee will be $17.86 per month. The base rate is guaranteed for 18 months, through 2011. The County will bill charges for the remainder of 2010 and all of 2011 with the property tax statement mailed this summer and due in the fall (total of $321.48).

Residents with questions about the new garbage and recycling program should contact the Gwinnett County Solid Waste and Recycling Division Call Center at 770.822.7141 on weekdays between 7:30am and 5:30pm. Questions about solid waste pickup service should be directed to the assigned hauler.

For more information on haulers for certain areas and schedules.