Pulaski residents to get new garbage containers in late December

By MIKE WILLIAMS

The Patriot

Residents of the Town of Pulaski will receive their new 95-gallon garbage containers during the last two weeks of December.

Town Manager Darlene Burcham told Town Council on Tuesday that during that two-week period in December, residents will also get information on a new weekly garbage pickup schedule along with information on monthly bulk pickups.

Burcham met recently with officials from GFL (Green For Life) Environmental and learned the company’s plans for when it takes over garbage collection in the town at the first of the year.

GFL takes over those duties from the Pulaski County Public Service Authority after the town and PSA severed their ties back in the summer.

At the meeting, Burcham gained information to answer several questions from residents about the new garbage collector’s plans.

Burcham said garbage will be picked up from town residences four days a week rather than the previous five-day schedule. So, she said, some people may have a different trash day, but they will know that well in advance of GFL’s taking over.

To answer another question, Burcham said a residential customer can have a second garbage container if they wish for an additional $11. If someone wants an additional container, they need to alert the town as soon as possible so it can be delivered during that two-week period in December to avoid a delivery charge later.

Like the PSA, GFL will provide assistance to residents who need help getting their garbage containers to the street.

“Residents who need assistance can have their doctor provide a written statement of that need,” Burcham said. That statement needs to be sent to the town’s Finance Department by Dec. 12. The town will then make arrangements with GFL for that personal assistance.

Burcham said alley pickup will be available when placing the garbage containers on the street is not practical or possible.

Burcham told council the bulk item drop site on Dora Highway will be closed Dec. 8 to allow the PSA to close down its operation and to give GFL an opportunity to prepare for re-opening of the site on Jan. 2.

“After the closure, town residences may utilize the Dublin and Fairlawn drop sites through Dec. 31,” Burcham said.

“After Jan. 2 the Dora Highway site will be re-opened to town residents only,” she added.

Town businesses can choose who picks up their garbage, and Burcham said GFL is visiting some businesses to discuss their using GFL dumpsters.

Burcham told council if they are asked by businesses about garbage pickup, they should urge the businesses to contact the town and they will put them in touch with GFL.

On their website, GFL Environmental says it is “the only major diversified environmental services company in North America offering services in solid waste management, liquid waste management, and soil remediation.”

With operations across Canada and the U.S., GFL is recognized by their signature fleet of bright green trucks and equipment.