Alpharetta plans increase for trash pickup

Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that residents would be charged a 4% increase in their bills.

Alpharetta residents are facing as much as 20% increase in their residential garbage collection bills starting with July service.

Last year, the city covered a portion of an increase charged by Republic Services using monies from the solid waste fund, but that balance is now depleted, Assistant City Administrator James Drinkard said.

Republic Services hauls trash, recycling and yard waste from 24,000 residences.

The city is looking into an alternative service for its glass recycling program. If that happens before the increase goes into effect there would be less of an increase, Drinkard added.

Otherwise, starting July 1, service for waste pickup from a 95-gallon bin will increase $5 per month to $30.65; service for a 68-gallon bin would increase $4.65 to $28.93. Collection for senior citizens would increase $2.62 to $15.91.

About the Author

‘Killer Bees’ swarm close to Georgia border

Spotted in Barbour County, Alabama, just over the Chattahoochee River from Georgia, Africanized bees are known for their aggression and ability to sting people to death.

1h ago

Man killed in July Fourth shooting at Cobb apartments, police say

Cobb County police were called to the scene about 6 p.m. Friday and found a man with several gunshot wounds. Police identified the man, who later died, as Cody Chavous.