Citizens to see new trash cans popping up

A new year brings new things to citizens of Hartsville.

The county commission voted for a new garbage truck during its October meeting. Along with the truck, commissioners also approved the 96 gallon cans that will be used with the new tipper truck. As promised by County Mayor Jake West, citizens should begin to see flyers within the next weeks to months letting them know when these new cans will be on their way.

According to Parks and Recreations Director Woody Badger around 900 cans are being processed and will be showing up in neighborhoods according to routes.

"We will be putting them out in increments. I sent out letters today [Jan. 3] for Monday and Friday routes. It might take me two to three weeks to get them all out," said Badger.

All citizens that receive a water bill will be issued a new can before the new truck is scheduled to appear in late April/early May. Badger reminds folks not to panic if their neighbor has a can, but they have yet to see one.

"Letters should come out a couple of days before you will see one at your house," said Badger. "Just because your neighbor has one, we might have broke off in the middle of the route, that could be where the route stops in the middle of the day, or we could have a truck break down and we can't get started back for two weeks until we get it put back together again."

With each flyer, citizens will also receive a packet explaining the rules surrounding these cans like:

• Customers will be issued only one can. Another is available for purchase at $75. Customers are only allowed two cans, and there will be no extra charge per month for the extra container.

• Residents are required to use approved trash containers to ensure compatibility with the equipment.

• Cans are to be in place by 7 a.m., and then removed by evening of your pickup day. Currently pickup days will remain the same for a few months, but the automated method could mean some will be changing days.

• All trash must be in the can and not on top or on the ground beside the can.

• The packets includes a list of what items that cannot be placed in these cans.

• All cans must maintain a three foot distance from other objects on pickup day.

If you have any questions or to notify the Solid Waste Department about a broken, damaged or stolen can, call 615-374-2461.

"I think they are going to be really nice, and it is going to be more efficient once we get into this," said Badger. "Reduce back injuries and lessen the risk of employees becoming ill."

Badger asks that citizens be aware of the location they first find the cans, because that is where the crews will most likely be collecting the cans at that address.

"It's like anything new, there will be bugs that will need to be worked out," said Badger. "Once everybody gets acclimated, it will be really good."

Managing Editor Marie Corhern can be reached at 615-779-3133 or by email at thevidette@bellsouth.net.