Note: This story was last updated at 6:30 p.m.
With limited exceptions, garbage cans in Oak Ridge will have to be brought to the curb for the weekly pickup starting July 1, and there will be a $1.20 monthly fee increase for the waste disposal service.
The city’s previous 25-year contract is expiring, and the new contract will start July 1.
Unlike many cities, Oak Ridge has had a “backdoor pickup” garbage service for years, but that is ending. With that back door service, garbage would be picked up away from the curb—at a back door, for example.
Under the new contract, people with qualifying disabilities will still be eligible for backdoor garbage and recycling services. (More information is included below.)
As part of the contract change to curbside pickup, new large 95-gallon trash bins will be provided at no cost, a press release said.
The recycling pickup will remain curbside. The brown recycling bins will be replaced if they are currently damaged and need replacement, the press release said.
“With the savings from reusing our current recycling bins, we are able to keep the rate increase with the new contract low,†Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson said in the press release.
The residential waste/recycling fee will increase by $1.20 per month from $14 to $15.20.
In preparation for the bid for the new contract, the City of Oak Ridge said it surveyed 300 residents at random about their preferences for household trash pickup. The city said it then used this information to develop and bid the new solid waste and recycling contract.
“We had two competitive bids and Waste Connections, which is our current contractor, had the best offer,†said Oak Ridge Public Works Director Shira McWaters. “We will gain some additional services and retain most of the services we currently offer. Backdoor pickup services, however, will change.â€
A majority of the households surveyed indicated that they take their household trash to the curb along with their recycling, the press release said. Under the new contract, the city will continue to offer backdoor pickup to approximately 5 percent of its customers on an as-needed basis.
If someone is unable to bring their garbage and recycling to the road, they must contact the Oak Ridge Public Works Department at (865) 425-1875 to request a form that shows verification from a medical provider and/or certifies that a family member, friend, or neighbor cannot assist them. The form can also be found at bit.ly/ORbackdoorpickup and on the city’s website at OakRidgeTN.gov/department/PublicWorks/Home, by clicking “Apply for Backdoor Pickup” under the dropdown menu for “Household Trash & Recycling” at the top of the page.
Brush pickup will continue to be conducted once, annually, in the spring, the press release said.
After receiving feedback from residents that the annual fall leaf pickup was taking too long, the new contract will require the pickup to be completed within 60 days.
Many residents have previously expressed the desire for an additional pickup for bulky, household rubbish like old appliances and furniture no larger than 3 feet high x 4 feet wide x 8 feet long, and 100 cubic feet. Therefore, household trash pickup will now be held twice a year: spring and fall, the press release said.
The survey results also showed interest in more weekend availability at the Warehouse Road Convenience Center. As a result, it will now be open on Sundays. Residents can use the center five days per week, Wednesday through Sunday. It will be closed on Monday and Tuesday to allow for staff to conduct maintenance on the machines and equipment.
The Oak Ridge City Council approved the new contract in a 6-1 vote May 10. Oak Ridge City Council member Chuck Hope voted against the contract after raising concerns about its length.
For more information, contact Oak Ridge Public Works at (865) 425-1875 or visit OakRidgeTN.gov.
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the changes to the city’s garbage services:
1. What’s changing?
- Trash service will now be curbside. Recycling services will remain curbside.
- Backdoor garbage and recycling services will be provided to residents with qualifying disabilities. If someone is unable to bring their garbage and recycling to the road, they must contact Oak Ridge Public Works at (865) 425-1875 to request a form that shows verification from a medical provider and/or certifies that a family member, friend, or neighbor cannot assist them.
- The Warehouse Road Convenience Center will now be open on Sundays. Residents can use the center five days per week, Wednesday through Sunday, and closed on Monday and Tuesday to allow for staff to conduct maintenance on the machines and equipment.
- The annual fall leaf pickup will be required to be completed within 60 days.
- Due to interest from residents, bulk pickup will now be conducted twice, annually: spring and fall.
- Brush pickup will be conducted once, annually, in the spring.
2. Will this cost me more money? How much?
- In an effort to keep costs down, the residential waste/recycling fee will increase by $1.20 per month from $14.00 to $15.20.
3. Which trash bins do I need to use?
- New, 95-gallon trash bins will be provided at no cost. Recycling bins will only be replaced if they are currently damaged and need replacement.
4. What if I can’t bring my trash to the curb?
- Those desiring backdoor service must contact Oak Ridge Public Works at (865) 425-1875 to request a form that shows verification from a medical provider and/or certifies that a family member, friend, or neighbor cannot bring their garbage and recycling to the road. The form can also be found at bit.ly/ORbackdoorpickup and on the City’s website at OakRidgeTN.gov/department/PublicWorks/Home, by clicking “Apply for Backdoor Pickup” under the dropdown menu for “Household Trash & Recycling” at the top of the page.
5. Is anything changing at the Convenience Center?
- The Warehouse Road Convenience Center will be open five days per week, Wednesday through Sunday, and closed on Monday and Tuesday to allow for staff to conduct maintenance on the machines and equipment.
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