Published: May 03, 2008 09:53 pm            

Dalton to start weekly trash pickup this week

Starting Monday, Dalton residents must remember to put their garbage out once a week and to put their recycling out on the same day as their garbage.

The city has collected garbage twice a week for decades, but it will move to weekly service this week. The move has been in the works for several weeks, and sanitation crews have been placing stickers on garbage cans letting people know what day of the week their garbage will now be picked up.

“If they have not seen the information on their cans, they can call public works at (706) 278-7077 and ask any questions,” said city administrator Butch Sanders.

Residents may also switch from a 68-gallon can, if that is what they have now, to the larger 95-gallon can at no cost. They may also request extra recycling bins at no cost.

“We appreciate the patience of the public in this transition. We feel like in a month they won’t even notice any difference,” Sanders said.

The city is moving to weekly service as part of an effort to cut costs to meet Mayor David Pennington’s goal of cutting property taxes 20 percent. City officials estimate the switch will save $157,712 a year.

“We’ll still be picking up the same amount of garbage. We’ll just be picking it up a little differently,” said Sanders.

City officials are also trying to increase the amount of garbage that is recycled. They say that will save space at the landfill as well as help generate revenue for the city.

According to data provided by the Dalton-Whitfield Regional Solid Waste Authority, 20 to 40 percent of household waste can be recycled.

        

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