The issue of yard waste collection was again put before the city council at its regular meeting on July 13. The city recently entered into an agreement with a new trash collection company, RTS Waste Services, LLC, which does not include weekly yard waste pickup.

The council opted not to include the extra service to avoid further raising rates. However, the council heard from several citizens at a previous meeting on June 8, who demanded that either the city amend the new contract with RTS or find another way to pick up yard waste.

The city maintains a place for citizens to dump waste at DC Rogers Lake. But getting the waste from yards to the dump is the problem. Several people said they do not have the means to haul brush and other yard debris to the dumpsite. The council at the time agreed to explore alternatives, such as having city employees collect yard waste.

Ann Schnell again broached the subject with the council on Tuesday. “I’ve already spent more than what the trash company would have charged us getting limbs moved off,” she said. “We’ve got to do something.”

RTS included weekly yard waste pickup in its bid. The city council voted to approve the bid at a special meeting held on Tuesday, May 18. Fayette’s contract with Waste Management, formerly Advanced Disposal, expired on May 31. The new contract increases monthly rates for trash collection by $2.20, from $11.30 to $13.50 for the first year. Including yard waste pickup only once per month would have increased the rate an additional $2, to $15.50 per month. Aldermen decided to drop yard waste collection because of the higher cost and cited that it is seldom used.

David Kruger from RTS told the council that only one community in more than 25 he serves has yard waste collection. “It doesn’t work very well. It’s a pain in the neck, and I don’t think many people use it.”

The problem was exacerbated when severe thunderstorms in June downed tree limbs and caused damaging floods. 

“If we have any more storms come in, somebody’s going to have to start picking up these limbs,” said Schnell.

Even though the city voted to accept the bid from RTS, and the company began waste collection in June, a contract between the two entities has yet to be signed. The two sides have yet to agree on details with regard to an exit clause. The city also must approve a resolution to adopt the new contract. Nathan Nicholaus, the city’s attorney, reported to the council that he has reached out to RTS and is awaiting a reply. 

The council tabled the issue. 

The Board of Aldermen meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at the Keller Building. Meetings begin at 6 p.m. They are open and the public is invited.