Waste firm’s fee draws fire

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.

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 notified customers this week that 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 is taking over waste collection in January and has tabbed Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful, the not-for-profit agency, to manage the program.

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.