• Update - 11/07/08 - Gwinnett County Garbage Plan Announcement

The Board of Commissioners, in December 2007, approved a draft solid waste management plan for managing solid waste in Gwinnett County that will affect trash collection for most residents next year. State laws require an updated plan this year. Other agencies must now approve the draft plan that will go into effect in 2009.

The new contract-based system will go into effect in late 2009. The County’s designee will establish eight service areas and use a public, competitive process to contract with one hauler for each service area based on proposals they submit. A single hauler could be awarded a contract to provide service in up to three service areas.

All residents will be required to participate in garbage and recyclable collection. Weekly pickups will include garbage, 35 recyclables, and all large items. Yard waste may be optional or included in the fee. Haulers will be required to provide standardized collection carts. Residents will have the convenience of paying the service fee once a year on their tax bill, and senior citizen discounts will be available.

The new system is claiming the following benefits:

* More efficient and cost effective services
* More recycling opportunities (35 recyclables)
* Decreased traffic in neighborhoods
* Less noise and air pollution
* Less wear and tear on roads
* Less illegal dumping
* Improved service delivery
* Better customer service
* Large item pickup
* Yard waste pickup (may be optional service)

Homeowners will no longer pay trash companies directly. Instead, a service fee for garbage and recycling services will be billed once a year on the County property tax bill beginning in 2009. Most rates are expected to decrease due to increased efficiencies, but individual rates could go up or down. Garbage and recycling services will be mandatory for all homes in Gwinnett County.

Suggested reading: Gwinnett County Solid Waste Plan

FYI: List of all authorized solid waste haulers for Gwinnett County