BPU General manager David Leathers (standing, right) and BPU Solid Waste Supervisor Jim Alexander (standing, left) were at Monday’s Jamestown City Council work session to review changes to BPU policy regarding solid waste pickup.
JAMESTOWN – The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities recently sent out a message reminding solid waste customers about new rules that are now in effect regarding garbage pickup (copied below). As a result, members of the Jamestown City Council have received calls from residents voicing concern over the rules.
On Monday night, representatives from the BPU attended the city council’s work session to review and explain the changes to lawmakers. BPU General Manager David Leathers and Solid Waste supervisor Jim Alexander spent about 15 minutes detailing the new garbage pickup policies.
Council members had questions regarding new requirements regarding the size of trash cans/bins, the new rule that all cans and bin must have lids, a weekly 8-bag limit, and the time that garbage should be put out for pickup, among other requirements.
Leathers said the changes were made due to safety and sanitary concerns. He said that when garbage is not placed in a bin with a lid, it increases the chance for a mess, with animals getting into the bags overnight. Alexander also said there were some pest concerns, including the fear that not having garbage in bins with a lid could lead to the spread of roaches in some areas of the city.
Leathers said the BPU wont immediately impose any penalties and is trying to increase compliance with the new rules. However, he didn’t rule out possible penalties in the future, if the problems persist.
Any customers with questions regarding the new policies should call 661-1651.
Meanwhile, the city council has also requested that the BPU attend a city council meeting at the end of each year to review and discuss any new policy changes, prior to notifying customers of the changes.
MESSAGE FROM THE BPU TO CUSTOMERS REGARDING SOLID WASTE PICKUP
The BPU’s 2017 Solid Waste (Garbage/Recycling) budget passed with no rate increase. Changes in policies, however, should be noted for the new year.
The Basic Service Charge remains at $21 per dwelling unit per month with a credit of $10.50 a month issued to customers who participate in the Residential Recycling Credit Program. Customers who recycle during their billing period pay half the fee at $10.50.
Garbage must be bagged and weigh less than 40 pounds per bag. Bags must be placed in a sturdy garbage can with a lid to prevent animal damage. Individual garbage bags, recycling bins or other items heavier than 40 pounds will be tagged and refused. No loose garbage tossed onto the ground is permitted.
An eight bag limit per week has been approved. Bags in excess of the eight bag limit will be charged $3/bag. This limit has been changed to keep the rate low for all Solid Waste customers.
The BPU may refuse trash or recycling items that show evidence of bed bug or cockroach activity.
Customers are reminded that there are no specified “clean-up” weeks, but that, each week, they may leave out one item weighing up to 40 pounds, similar in size to a regular bag of trash and easily handled by one person. Examples of such objects include a child’s toy, a lamp or small table. Metal items will not be accepted. It is recommended to call the Garbage Hotline for clarification before placing items at the curb.
In addition, customers may arrange for special household item collection by calling the Garbage Hotline weekdays at 661-1651, two days in advance of their regular garbage day. Three items collected together for one appointment will be discounted.
Special household items include large objects such as couches, recliners, dressers, carpet rolls, mattresses, appliances and electronics. Items that contain any cooling agent such as refrigerators and dehumidifiers will incur an evacuation charge in addition to the special household item pick-up charge. A charge for disposal of televisions and computer monitors, which must be recycled by the BPU, also requires an appointment and fee for the BPU to transport the item to the South County Transfer Station.
More explanation of the solid waste policies is included on the back of the 2017 Recycling Calendar which was mailed to customers in December. Additional copies may be requested by calling the Garbage Hotline at 661-1651 or BPU Communications at 661-1680.
The recycling calendar may be obtained at BPU Customer Service, 92 Steele Street, Jamestown; open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Friday. The calendar may be found under Solid Waste on the BPU website: www.jamestownbpu.com.
The BPU Solid Waste Division provides services to residential households and does not collect block-long piles formed by one customer which occurred many times in recent years.
Changes in these policies have been made to avoid these types of situations to keep fees down for our residential customers.
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