By Lee Weyhrich
PINSON — Residents new and old to Pinson may soon be seeing a change in garbage pickup.
The Pinson City Council could approve a new garbage pickup plan as soon as the next meeting, assuming the council doesn’t wish to make further changes, Councilman Joe Cochran said.
The city council next meets Thursday, Aug. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Pinson City Hall.
The new pickup plan could go into effect by the beginning of the new year if approved.
The plan, as currently written, would include yard debris, recycling and trash bins.
“(We’re) attempting to get pricing that’s competitive with our neighbors and with what we have today, but increasing our service three-fold,” Cochran said.
In November 2013, the council held a hearing and heard comments about the possibility of a citywide garbage pickup service. City council members at the time discussed the items they wish to receive in the bids for collection, including weekly curbside trash collection, bi-weekly recycling pickup and new 95-gallon receptacles for participants. Councilwoman Joy McCain suggested yard debris pickup also be included in any bid.
The city of Clay began curbside recycling in April 2013. The Clay City Council in March 2013 accepted a garbage pickup bid from BFI Waste Systems, which is doing business as Republic Services. Residents of Clay are now paying $13.65 per month, which includes mandatory recycling. Clay residents kept the garbage cans they already had, and a separate 95-gallon bin for recycling was distributed to them. Residents are responsible for separating their recycling. On Dec. 1, 2013, the city of Trussville began a new garbage contract. Recyclable garbage is being picked up weekly instead of every other week.