Updated Waste Collection Services For Residential, Commercial Customers To Begin May 1

FOREST PARK, Ga. — March 7, 2023 — In an effort to help improve sanitation services for residential and commercial customers, the Forest Park City Council approved a new contract with Waste Management (WM). The agreement was ratified during the city council's Feb. 6 general meeting.

Services outlined in the contract include the collection and disposal of all solid, bulk and yard waste, as well as debris and recycling generated within city limits. Performance penalties that were added to the contract will also be enforced to assist with overall customer satisfaction.

“It is important that we have reliable, high-quality waste collection for our citizens in order to help keep our community clean,” said Mayor Angelyne Butler, MPA. “Although there will be some changes once the contract goes into effect, I want to assure our residents and business owners that this new agreement paves the way for more accountability and enhanced customer service."
 

**The following changes to the city's waste collection services will go into effect beginning Monday, May 1, 2023:
 

Residential Sanitation Services

• The rate for residential service will be increased to $321.67 per year. Residents will still be billed on their City of Forest Park property tax statement; the new rate will be applied beginning with the 2023 property tax statement.
• Sanitation services include trash and recycle curbside pickup of furnished 96-gallon containers once per week (cart contents only).
• Residents may have one (1) trash cart and (1) recycle cart or two (2) trash carts; an additional trash cart can be obtained for a fee of $15.45 per month.
• All containers must be accessible or at the curb before 7 a.m. on collection day.
• Organic and bulk items will be picked up by appointment only. Customers can call (404) 794-6707 or visit www.wm.com to schedule an appointment.
• Items that will NOT be accepted include tires, batteries, paints, refrigerators, TVs, oils, construction debris, chemicals of any kind, Freon, rocks, sand, gravel, carpet or any other hazardous or medical waste.

Commercial Sanitation Services

• The rate for commercial service will be set by WM and billed according to the amount of service received; services include garbage and recycle dumpster service and roll-off containers.
• Orders for dumpsters and roll-off containers for commercial properties must be placed through WM; customers can call (404) 794-6707 or visit www.wm.com to request additional trash storage items.
• All containers must be accessible on or by each designated collection day; organic and bulk items may be picked up for a fee and by appointment only.
• WM will only collect waste that is inside each container. It is the responsibility of the business to place the material inside the container.
• If waste, cardboard, etc. is piled around the container, a penalty will be charged. It is suggested that customers increase the size of their container or increase the number of collections per week. Customers can call (404) 794-6707 or visit www.wm.com to order an additional container or request more collections.
• Items that will NOT be accepted include tires, batteries, paints, refrigerators, TVs, oils, construction debris, chemicals of any kind, Freon, rocks, sand, gravel, carpet or any other hazardous or medical waste.

Recycling Center Changes

• Starting April 29, residents will no longer be able to utilize the recycling center located at 327 Lamar Dr. Curbside recycling pickup will still be available for residential customers.
• The city's annual Clean Sweep Events will be held quarterly (locations TBD).

Observed Holiday Changes

• Please note that there will be no waste collection service available on the following observed holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
• If a customer's regular scheduled service day falls on or after an observed holiday, then service will be delayed by one (1) day. 

To schedule a bulk and yard debris pickup or file a complaint, contact WM at (404) 794-6707 or visit www.wm.com.

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