Gwinnett can’t stop trash haulers from charging fees

Gwinnett County is conceding there may be nothing it can do to stop waste collection companies from charging customers a deactivation fee when service ends Dec. 31.

County Administrator Jock Connell said attorneys have determined the two companies who have notified customers of these fees are probably within their rights.

Late last month, the county announced it would take action against Waste Industries and its $150,000 performance bond for allegedly violating the county’s solid waste ordinance. The action came after the company notified customers of a $23.50 fee for added costs for closing its operations.

Back in September, Allied Waste implemented the same fee.

Under the county’s licensing agreement with haulers, customers must be given a 30-day notice of a rate change.

“We regret the citizens find themslevs in this situation” Connell said, ” but the county’s position is it’s a private matter between the citizen and hauler. We really can’t get into giving advice on what they should do.”

Beginning Jan. 2, the county’s solid waste and recycling program will be administered by Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful. Its approximately 180,000 residences will be serviced by two haulers selected through a bidding process the agency administered.

— Patrick Fox