Gwinnett may collect garbage company’s bond over fee

Gwinnett County has threatened to take Waste Industries’ $150,000 performance bond for allegedly violating the county’s solid waste ordinance by charging a demobilization fee to its customers.

[ Post your comments below. ]

The action came late Tuesday after fallout from the county’s new waste disposal and recycling program carried over to the County Commission chambers.

Atlanta Waste Industries angered customers this week when it announced it will charge an additional $23.50 for discontinued service when it pulls out of the county Dec. 31. Company vice president Mike Ingle said the fee is to cover benefits to workers affected when the company stops operating in Gwinnett.

It also will defray some shutdown costs. He said he may have to contract for help in collecting about 30,000 carts still in the field.

The county finance department responded by saying the county may call in the company’s $150,000 performance bond. A performance bond is issued by an insurance company to guarantee satisfactory completion of a project by a contractor.

The county is taking over waste collection in January and has tabbed Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful, the not-for-profit agency, to manage the program.

Two residents voiced opposition to the new solid waste plan at the county commission’s 2 p.m. business meeting. Commissioners Mike Beaudreau and Bert Nasuti defended the action.

Beaudreau said citizens were notified numerous times of opportunities to speak out about the proposal.

Mailings were sent out in utility bills and public hearings were held during the formation of the proposal, he said.

Nasuti called the demobilization fees despicable and constituted a breach of contract with the county. He said some 20,000 residences in Gwinnett County have no garbage service, and the new solid waste collection plan was needed to address these kinds of issues.

Allied Waste implemented the same fee in late September to its Gwinnett customers. Company spokesman Jim Zeumer said Monday most customers were understanding.

Under the county’s new plan, which includes expanded recycling, residents will pay $20.45 per month through June. Then the charge drops to $17.86. Yard waste will be $10 extra.