Roswell’s new recycling policy trashed on social media

The city recently reminded people on Facebook with a video that, starting April 1, residents will have new rules on how and where to place their recycling outside because the contractor will start using vehicles with automatic loading arms to grab the bins and chuck the waste. The contractor is exchanging homeowners’ 18-gallon bins with 65-gallon bins to facilitate automation.

Credit: City of Roswell

Credit: City of Roswell

The city recently reminded people on Facebook with a video that, starting April 1, residents will have new rules on how and where to place their recycling outside because the contractor will start using vehicles with automatic loading arms to grab the bins and chuck the waste. The contractor is exchanging homeowners’ 18-gallon bins with 65-gallon bins to facilitate automation.

When it comes to Roswell’s new recycling policy, some on social media want to throw it away and get a new one.

The city recently reminded people on Facebook with a video that, starting April 1, residents will have new rules on how and where to place their recycling outside because the contractor will start using vehicles with automatic loading arms to grab the bins and chuck the waste. The contractor is exchanging homeowners' 18-gallon bins with 65-gallon bins to facilitate automation.

Residents may not have bags or cardboard on top of their bins, they must pull them to the road (residents age 65 and older are eligible for curbside exemptions) and bins must be three feet away from anything so there is clearance for the automatic arms to grab the containers.

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“Mine will be in the middle of the street as that is where three feet away from my carport is. After it has been run over & destroyed by passing cars, will you bring me a new one?” asked one of the 150 comments on the Facebook post.

“Is this an April Fools joke?” one person quipped.

No, it isn’t.

Darnisha Green, a city spokeswoman, said City Council voted on the change at its meeting on Aug. 27, 2018. Councilmembers approved a roughly $3 million, seven-year contract with Advanced Disposal Services to provide recycling and yard waste services. No residents spoke during the public comment portion for the proposal. The council voted 4-2; the two dissenting councilmembers were worried about the length of the contract and mentioned none of the details that have Facebook commenters angry.

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Another commenter didn’t have a problem with the changes: “Can’t believe the bellyaching I’m reading. This isn’t that big of a deal. Put the cans out by the curb - just make sure they are not too close to one another.”

When asked if the negative Facebook comments will change anything, Green said Tuesday: “The City will continue to monitor social media and answer all calls into our customer service line. We have received a ton of positive comments and calls regarding this issue.” She added that residents with questions or concerns are welcome to call the city at 770-641-3961 or Advanced Disposal at 678-710-2068.

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