Jefferson residents may have noticed new blue garbage containers being delivered throughout town. It is in preparation for the City to begin automated trash pickup next week.

Public Works Director Dave Morlan says of the 1,682 homes, he’s ordered 1,532 95-gallon and 150 65-gallon containers. He encourages everyone to use the 95-gallon container because it’s easier to maneuver with the larger-sized wheels and you can fit more garbage in them. Morlan notes that the 95-gallon containers are especially important since the change in the City’s ordinance that allows for almost another 30-gallon garbage can load of garbage. 

Morlan says the containers need to be no more than a foot away from the curb with the lids facing the street. He adds it will help to decrease the garbage from spilling out and blowing everything. During the first couple of weeks, Morlan says they will have extra personnel helping with the new procedure.

“Someone will follow (the automated truck) and if they see trash cans around the house, or the can is facing the wrong way, they’ll put a note on the house or on the can just asking people to do it a little different next time.” 

Morlan stresses that they pickup items people typically throw away during the bi-annual cleanup weeks, throughout the entire year. Appliances can be thrown away anytime of the year and the rates remain the same. During the cleanup week, each resident gets two free hopper loads and is then charged $25 per hopper after that. Morlan notes it might be cheaper to throw it out during the regular garbage week, than during cleanup week. 

He says brush and yard waste will not change. Those items will be collected during the last full week of the month. Yard waste is not allowed in the new containers and it must be designated with a yard waste sticker from City Hall to be collected. If anyone needs more information or wants to request the smaller-sized container, contact City Hall at 386-3111.