Town of Chapel Hill crews installed along Franklin Street some 13 new recycling bins to collect cans and bottles that previously were mostly thrown in the trash. The bins were installed the week of Feb. 10. Another four recycling bins will be placed in Southern Village's central business area. Orange County's Solid Waste Department Recycling Division will collect the recycled materials.
The recycling bins were purchased through a $13,000 grant from N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The bins are being installed downtown at crosswalks, bus stops, near parking pay stations and parking lots.
Emily Cameron, landscape architect for the Town of Chapel Hill, said the sidewalk recycling project was the result of a successful partnership with Orange County.
"It's gratifying to be able to continue improving the downtown pedestrian experience while protecting the environment as we have in recent months with installation of cigarette disposal units and the new recycling containers," Cameron said.
Recovered cans and bottles will be trucked along with the other recyclable materials collected by Orange County to the private materials recovery facility in Greensboro owned by ReCommunity. From there, the materials are sorted, baled and sold for remanufacture into new drink cans, car parts, carpets, fiberfill, strapping and new plastic bottles.
While it is illegal under North Carolina law to dispose of aluminum beverage cans and plastic bottles in landfills, there have not been very many convenient opportunities for downtown pedestrians to recycle. With the exception of one recycling bin in front of the old Post Office and another on the south side of East Franklin, the closest pedestrian recycling containers were located on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus prior to the downtown installation.
According to Orange County Solid Waste Planner Blair Pollock, more than 46 million plastic beverage bottles and aluminum cans were disposed in the Orange County landfill last year.
"Providing recycling containers along Franklin Street makes recycling more convenient, and that is a key to capturing more material for recycling," Pollock said. "Demand for recyclable material is high, markets are strong and a lot of the plastic bottles are recycled right here in the Carolinas."
Orange County currently provides public recycling containers at all five Chapel Hill Park and Ride lots, and there are 60 walkway collection sites around the UNC campus. Away from home recycling is an important way to capture cans and bottles, Pollock said, because an estimated 50 percent are consumed away from home where there generally far fewer recycling opportunities.
See what ended up on The News of Orange County's cutting room floor.
Showing posts with label solid waste. Show all posts
Showing posts with label solid waste. Show all posts
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Hillsborough seeking bids for pump station replacement project
The Town of Hillsborough is seeking bid proposals through 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, for the construction of the Elizabeth Brady Pump Station replacement.
The work will include constructing a duplex submersible wastewater pumping station with standby power as well as a gravity sewer and forcemain.
A pre-bid conference will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, in the Town Barn. Attendees will have the opportunity to present questions, obtain clarifications and inspect the project site. Attendance is recommended.
Sealed bid proposals will be accepted at Town Engineer Kenny Keel’s office on the Town Hall campus, 101, E. Orange St. The Town Barn is located on the campus. Parking is accessed from E. Corbin Street.
Contract documents may be obtained from Duncan-Parnell—4275 Regency Drive, Greensboro, NC 27410 or 336-855-1211—or ordered online at dpibidroom.com, accompanied by a nonrefundable deposit of $100.
In addition to the Hillsborough engineer’s office, documents will be on file for viewing at the following locations:
• Associated General Contractors offices in Raleigh and Charlotte
• McGraw Hill Dodge’s website
• HCAC/iSqFt. Plan Room in Raleigh
• The office of the project’s engineer, Davis-Martin-Powell & Associates in High Point.
For more information, view the Notice to Bidders on the Bid Postings page of the town’s website.
The work will include constructing a duplex submersible wastewater pumping station with standby power as well as a gravity sewer and forcemain.
A pre-bid conference will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, in the Town Barn. Attendees will have the opportunity to present questions, obtain clarifications and inspect the project site. Attendance is recommended.
Sealed bid proposals will be accepted at Town Engineer Kenny Keel’s office on the Town Hall campus, 101, E. Orange St. The Town Barn is located on the campus. Parking is accessed from E. Corbin Street.
Contract documents may be obtained from Duncan-Parnell—4275 Regency Drive, Greensboro, NC 27410 or 336-855-1211—or ordered online at dpibidroom.com, accompanied by a nonrefundable deposit of $100.
In addition to the Hillsborough engineer’s office, documents will be on file for viewing at the following locations:
• Associated General Contractors offices in Raleigh and Charlotte
• McGraw Hill Dodge’s website
• HCAC/iSqFt. Plan Room in Raleigh
• The office of the project’s engineer, Davis-Martin-Powell & Associates in High Point.
For more information, view the Notice to Bidders on the Bid Postings page of the town’s website.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Hillsborough’s loose leaf collection ends
Loose leaf collection has ended in Hillsborough. Residents are asked to bag leaves for collection until the loose leaf season begins again in November.
Also beginning Feb. 1, brush will be collected once every two weeks until November when the loose leaf season starts again.
Small amounts of brush must be placed in biodegradable paper bags or tied into bundles using jute, sisal or hay baling twine if the amount is less than 30 pounds. No plastic or cotton twine may be used. Residents with a few sticks should allow a bagful or several armfuls to accumulate before placing brush at the curb.
A maximum of 10 biodegradable bags per property will be removed each collection day. Until November, leaves also should be placed in biodegradable bags for collection at the curb.
Bulk items collected once a month
As a reminder, the town now collects bulk items once a month during the second full week of each month. The items—which include furniture, mattresses, appliances and water heaters—should be placed at the curb no earlier than one week before collection.
Bulk items that are too bulky, heavy or cumbersome may require payment of a fee based on the nature and amount of the materials and the estimated time required to perform the service.
A brochure on residential curbside collections—including a calendar for 2012—was mailed to residents in the fall. The information also is available on the home page and Public Works Department page of the town’s website.
For more information, contact Interim Public Works Director Ken Hines at (919) 732-1270, Ext. 78.
Also beginning Feb. 1, brush will be collected once every two weeks until November when the loose leaf season starts again.
Small amounts of brush must be placed in biodegradable paper bags or tied into bundles using jute, sisal or hay baling twine if the amount is less than 30 pounds. No plastic or cotton twine may be used. Residents with a few sticks should allow a bagful or several armfuls to accumulate before placing brush at the curb.
A maximum of 10 biodegradable bags per property will be removed each collection day. Until November, leaves also should be placed in biodegradable bags for collection at the curb.
Bulk items collected once a month
As a reminder, the town now collects bulk items once a month during the second full week of each month. The items—which include furniture, mattresses, appliances and water heaters—should be placed at the curb no earlier than one week before collection.
Bulk items that are too bulky, heavy or cumbersome may require payment of a fee based on the nature and amount of the materials and the estimated time required to perform the service.
A brochure on residential curbside collections—including a calendar for 2012—was mailed to residents in the fall. The information also is available on the home page and Public Works Department page of the town’s website.
For more information, contact Interim Public Works Director Ken Hines at (919) 732-1270, Ext. 78.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Chapel Hill holds composting classes
Reduce waste and create the best fertilizer for your garden. Learn more about composting with a composting demonstration, one-day crash courses or a six-week series.
Composting demonstration
Learn how to compost indoors and in tight spaces using worms or outdoors using a variety of containers types and recipes. Contact Muriel Williman at (919) 968-2788 or email Muriel at mwilliman@co.orange.nc.us for more program details. No advance registration required. The course will run 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 24, at Chapel Hill Community Center Compost Site behind the Gene Strowd Community Rose Garden.
Introduction series: composting with the red wiggler worm
For ages 12 and older. Fee is $150 for a resident of Chapel Hill or Orange County, $180 for a non-resident for the six-class series OR $30 for residents and $36 for non-residents per class plus a $5 to $25 material fee (depending on the class).
Learn how to make worm bins and use the red wiggler worm to turn an average of 75 percent of household food and paper waste into worm castings (compost). Classes will meet from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Chapel Hill Community Center Meeting Room.
Pre- registration is required. Participants must pay the instructor the entire fee at the first class. No fee reduction.
Saturday, Feb. 4: The Red Wiggler aka The Composting Worm (Activity #210581A)
Saturday, Feb. 11: The Worm and Waste Stream (Activity #210582A)
Saturday, Feb. 18: Make Your Own Bins (Activity #210583A)
Saturday, Feb. 25: All about Soil (Activity #210584A)
Saturday, March 3: Problem Solving With Your Worm Bin (Activity #210585A)
Saturday, March 10: Harvesting Worm Castings (Activity #210586A)
Worm bin composting crash courses
Fee is $30 for residents of Chapel Hill or Orange County, $17 for seniors ages 55 and older and children younger than 12, plus a $25 material fee per family. Cost is $36 for non-residents, $20 non-resident seniors ages 55 and older and children younger than 12, plus a $25 material fee per family.
Learn all the basics about composting with worms and build a bin to take home with you in the crash course. We will not go as in-depth in the crash course as in the series, but it's a great way to start. Classes meet from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Chapel Hill Community Center Meeting Room.
Pre-registration is required. Pay the instructor the entire fee at the first class. No fee reduction.
Wednesday, Feb. 8: Family Worm Bin (Activity #210590A)
Wednesday, Feb. 22: Teacher Worm Bin (Activity #210591A)
Wednesday, March 7: Youth Worm Bin (Activity #210592A)
Wednesday, March 21: Apartment Worm Bin (Activity #210593A)
Register online at www.townofchapelhill.org/register.
Composting demonstration
Learn how to compost indoors and in tight spaces using worms or outdoors using a variety of containers types and recipes. Contact Muriel Williman at (919) 968-2788 or email Muriel at mwilliman@co.orange.nc.us for more program details. No advance registration required. The course will run 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 24, at Chapel Hill Community Center Compost Site behind the Gene Strowd Community Rose Garden.
Introduction series: composting with the red wiggler worm
For ages 12 and older. Fee is $150 for a resident of Chapel Hill or Orange County, $180 for a non-resident for the six-class series OR $30 for residents and $36 for non-residents per class plus a $5 to $25 material fee (depending on the class).
Learn how to make worm bins and use the red wiggler worm to turn an average of 75 percent of household food and paper waste into worm castings (compost). Classes will meet from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Chapel Hill Community Center Meeting Room.
Pre- registration is required. Participants must pay the instructor the entire fee at the first class. No fee reduction.
Saturday, Feb. 4: The Red Wiggler aka The Composting Worm (Activity #210581A)
Saturday, Feb. 11: The Worm and Waste Stream (Activity #210582A)
Saturday, Feb. 18: Make Your Own Bins (Activity #210583A)
Saturday, Feb. 25: All about Soil (Activity #210584A)
Saturday, March 3: Problem Solving With Your Worm Bin (Activity #210585A)
Saturday, March 10: Harvesting Worm Castings (Activity #210586A)
Worm bin composting crash courses
Fee is $30 for residents of Chapel Hill or Orange County, $17 for seniors ages 55 and older and children younger than 12, plus a $25 material fee per family. Cost is $36 for non-residents, $20 non-resident seniors ages 55 and older and children younger than 12, plus a $25 material fee per family.
Learn all the basics about composting with worms and build a bin to take home with you in the crash course. We will not go as in-depth in the crash course as in the series, but it's a great way to start. Classes meet from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Chapel Hill Community Center Meeting Room.
Pre-registration is required. Pay the instructor the entire fee at the first class. No fee reduction.
Wednesday, Feb. 8: Family Worm Bin (Activity #210590A)
Wednesday, Feb. 22: Teacher Worm Bin (Activity #210591A)
Wednesday, March 7: Youth Worm Bin (Activity #210592A)
Wednesday, March 21: Apartment Worm Bin (Activity #210593A)
Register online at www.townofchapelhill.org/register.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Loose leaf collection in Hillsborough ends this month
Loose leaf collection of leaves in Hillsborough will end Tuesday, Jan. 31.
Beginning Feb. 1, residents should place leaves in biodegradable bags for collection at the curb. A maximum of 10 bags per property will be removed each collection day.
Also beginning the first week in February, brush will be collected once every two weeks until the loose leaf collection season starts again in November.
Small amounts of brush must be placed in biodegradable paper bags or tied into bundles using jute, sisal or hay baling twine if the amount is less than 30 pounds. No plastic or cotton twine may be used. Residents with a few sticks should allow a bagful or several armfuls to accumulate before placing brush at the curb.
Residents may receive a free sample of twine to be used for bundling small amounts of brush. Stop by Town Hall at 101 E. Orange St. or at Town Hall Annex at 137 N. Churton St.
A brochure on residential curbside collections—including a calendar for 2012—was mailed to all residents in the fall. The information also is available on the home page and Public Works Department page of the town’s website.
For more information, contact Interim Public Works Director Ken Hines by at (919) 732-1270, ext. 78.
Beginning Feb. 1, residents should place leaves in biodegradable bags for collection at the curb. A maximum of 10 bags per property will be removed each collection day.
Also beginning the first week in February, brush will be collected once every two weeks until the loose leaf collection season starts again in November.
Small amounts of brush must be placed in biodegradable paper bags or tied into bundles using jute, sisal or hay baling twine if the amount is less than 30 pounds. No plastic or cotton twine may be used. Residents with a few sticks should allow a bagful or several armfuls to accumulate before placing brush at the curb.
Residents may receive a free sample of twine to be used for bundling small amounts of brush. Stop by Town Hall at 101 E. Orange St. or at Town Hall Annex at 137 N. Churton St.
A brochure on residential curbside collections—including a calendar for 2012—was mailed to all residents in the fall. The information also is available on the home page and Public Works Department page of the town’s website.
For more information, contact Interim Public Works Director Ken Hines by at (919) 732-1270, ext. 78.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
MLK holiday schedule for Orange County
Orange County government offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 16, in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.
Orange Public Transportation will operate the dialysis route from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other Orange Public Transportation Services will observe the holiday.
Little River Regional Park will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16.
As always, emergency services are available seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Schedule for Orange County Solid Waste Management
There will be no change in curbside recycling on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. If your recycling day falls on Monday, Jan. 16, have your bins to the curb as usual by 7 a.m. or bring them out the night before to ensure collection.
The Orange County Landfill on Eubanks Road will be closed Monday, Jan. 16. All associated services such as the hazardous household waste collection facility and mulch sales will also be closed. Normal hours of operation will resume Tuesday, Jan. 17.
Orange County Solid Waste convenience centers will be closed Monday, Jan. 16. Normal hours of operation will resume Tuesday, Jan. 17.
The Solid Waste Management Department administrative office will be closed Monday, Jan. 16. Normal hours of operation will resume Tuesday, Jan. 17.
Orange Public Transportation will operate the dialysis route from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other Orange Public Transportation Services will observe the holiday.
Little River Regional Park will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16.
As always, emergency services are available seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Schedule for Orange County Solid Waste Management
There will be no change in curbside recycling on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. If your recycling day falls on Monday, Jan. 16, have your bins to the curb as usual by 7 a.m. or bring them out the night before to ensure collection.
The Orange County Landfill on Eubanks Road will be closed Monday, Jan. 16. All associated services such as the hazardous household waste collection facility and mulch sales will also be closed. Normal hours of operation will resume Tuesday, Jan. 17.
Orange County Solid Waste convenience centers will be closed Monday, Jan. 16. Normal hours of operation will resume Tuesday, Jan. 17.
The Solid Waste Management Department administrative office will be closed Monday, Jan. 16. Normal hours of operation will resume Tuesday, Jan. 17.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Hillsborough to receive updates related to commercial solid waste service
The Hillsborough town board will receive an update Monday, Dec. 12 on information related to possible changes to the commercial solid waste service in town.
In early October, the commercial solid waste services provider—Waste Industries—asked the town to consider some proposals as alternatives to rate increases:
• The request to extend the current service agreement for an additional two-year period would continue the agreement through July 31, 2014. In exchange, Waste Industries would not request a Consumer Price Index adjustment through July 31, 2013.
• The other request to allow Waste Industries to use the transfer station it operates in Durham for solid waste disposal would require Hillsborough to exit an intergovernmental agreement that requires the town to use the Orange County Landfill. If approved, Waste Industries would rescind a 5-percent increase in rates that was approved in September. The rate adjustment was to help cover an increase in tipping fees at the county landfill.
At the Town Board’s 7 p.m. Monday meeting in the Town Barn, the board members will receive an update on what it will cost for the town to exit the intergovernmental solid waste agreement: $260,884. The amount is Hillsborough’s portion of the landfill system’s debt.
The commissioners also will receive results from a survey on the solid waste franchise. Eight businesses completed the survey intended to help town staff and business representatives review the current solid waste service and consider any change in 2012.
Under the franchise agreement, the town must provide notice of franchise renewal or discontinuation to Waste Industries in April—within 90 days of the agreement’s expiration.
Since 2004, the town has pursued commercial solid waste franchise agreements at the request of the business community to leverage better pricing and services as a community. Each business pays the franchise operator directly, with rates based on service level and frequency. All businesses—including multi-family complexes—churches and nonprofits are required to use the service provider.
The Town Barn is located on the Town Hall campus, 101 E. Orange St. Parking is accessed from East Corbin Street.
In early October, the commercial solid waste services provider—Waste Industries—asked the town to consider some proposals as alternatives to rate increases:
• The request to extend the current service agreement for an additional two-year period would continue the agreement through July 31, 2014. In exchange, Waste Industries would not request a Consumer Price Index adjustment through July 31, 2013.
• The other request to allow Waste Industries to use the transfer station it operates in Durham for solid waste disposal would require Hillsborough to exit an intergovernmental agreement that requires the town to use the Orange County Landfill. If approved, Waste Industries would rescind a 5-percent increase in rates that was approved in September. The rate adjustment was to help cover an increase in tipping fees at the county landfill.
At the Town Board’s 7 p.m. Monday meeting in the Town Barn, the board members will receive an update on what it will cost for the town to exit the intergovernmental solid waste agreement: $260,884. The amount is Hillsborough’s portion of the landfill system’s debt.
The commissioners also will receive results from a survey on the solid waste franchise. Eight businesses completed the survey intended to help town staff and business representatives review the current solid waste service and consider any change in 2012.
Under the franchise agreement, the town must provide notice of franchise renewal or discontinuation to Waste Industries in April—within 90 days of the agreement’s expiration.
Since 2004, the town has pursued commercial solid waste franchise agreements at the request of the business community to leverage better pricing and services as a community. Each business pays the franchise operator directly, with rates based on service level and frequency. All businesses—including multi-family complexes—churches and nonprofits are required to use the service provider.
The Town Barn is located on the Town Hall campus, 101 E. Orange St. Parking is accessed from East Corbin Street.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Hillsborough to break ground on Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion
The Town of Hillsborough will officially break ground on the upgrade and expansion of the Hillsborough Wastewater Treatment Plant at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 11.
Mayor Tom Stevens will shovel the first dirt. Construction is expected to be completed in the spring of 2014. This first phase of construction, expected to cost $16.5 million, will bring much-needed upgrades to the plant, which was built in the mid-1970s. The upgrades by Choate Construction Company of Atlanta, Ga., include:
• New tertiary filters capable of removing nitrogen and phosphorous.
• New screenings (trash) removal system at the beginning of the treatment process.
• Installation of new clarifiers (settling basins).
• Upgrades to biological treatment basins.
• New solids treatment and handling facilities.
• New backup power generator.
• Updated plant security and controls.
The upgrade is being funded through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan program. The $18.9 million loan — which also will cover some design costs, construction administration, inspections and contingency funds — will result in annual payments of $1.2 million for 20 years, beginning in Fiscal Year 2015. These payments will result in an 8.8 percent annual increase in sewer rates over six years, beginning with this fiscal year, which started in July.
A second phase of construction will provide extra flow capacity to accommodate planned land uses and projected population growth. Due to stricter state limits, the current plant already has reached its treatment capacity.
Both phases of construction will provide the plant with the capabilities needed to meet new, stricter state limits on discharged water. These new rules — called Falls Lake Rules — will become effective in 2016 and are intended to protect and restore the water quality of Falls Lake, which is on the EPA’s list of impaired waters. Planning for the second phase will begin when the first phase of construction is complete. The start of construction for that phase will be determined by the town’s growth rate, with a likely start in seven to 12 years.
The Wastewater Treatment Plant is located at 355 Elizabeth Brady Road.
Mayor Tom Stevens will shovel the first dirt. Construction is expected to be completed in the spring of 2014. This first phase of construction, expected to cost $16.5 million, will bring much-needed upgrades to the plant, which was built in the mid-1970s. The upgrades by Choate Construction Company of Atlanta, Ga., include:
• New tertiary filters capable of removing nitrogen and phosphorous.
• New screenings (trash) removal system at the beginning of the treatment process.
• Installation of new clarifiers (settling basins).
• Upgrades to biological treatment basins.
• New solids treatment and handling facilities.
• New backup power generator.
• Updated plant security and controls.
The upgrade is being funded through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan program. The $18.9 million loan — which also will cover some design costs, construction administration, inspections and contingency funds — will result in annual payments of $1.2 million for 20 years, beginning in Fiscal Year 2015. These payments will result in an 8.8 percent annual increase in sewer rates over six years, beginning with this fiscal year, which started in July.
A second phase of construction will provide extra flow capacity to accommodate planned land uses and projected population growth. Due to stricter state limits, the current plant already has reached its treatment capacity.
Both phases of construction will provide the plant with the capabilities needed to meet new, stricter state limits on discharged water. These new rules — called Falls Lake Rules — will become effective in 2016 and are intended to protect and restore the water quality of Falls Lake, which is on the EPA’s list of impaired waters. Planning for the second phase will begin when the first phase of construction is complete. The start of construction for that phase will be determined by the town’s growth rate, with a likely start in seven to 12 years.
The Wastewater Treatment Plant is located at 355 Elizabeth Brady Road.
Hillsborough to consider rate increase, franchise extension for commercial solid waste service
The Hillsborough Board of Commissioners has been asked to consider a 5-percent rate increase for commercial solid waste services as well as a one-year extension on the franchise agreement.
The two requests are on the agenda for the board’s regular monthly meeting on Oct. 10 in the Town Barn, 101 E. Orange St. on the Town Hall campus.
Waste Industries—which provides solid waste and recycling services to businesses, churches, nonprofits and multi-family housing communities in town through a franchise agreement negotiated by the Town of Hillsborough—made the requests on Oct. 3.
Per the agreement, the town has 60 days to respond to the rate request or the rate becomes effective. Rate adjustments are limited to no more than 10 percent per year, according to the franchise. This is the first rate adjustment that Waste Industries has sought since the current franchise agreement started in August 2009. The franchise expires July 31. Under the agreement, two one-year extensions are allowed and the town must provide notice of franchise renewal or discontinuation within 90 days of the agreement’s expiration.
Waste Industries is seeking the rate adjustment based on a 6 percent increase in the consumer price index in January and a $5 per ton increase in the tipping fees at the Orange County Landfill. Effective in July, the tipping fees increased from $52 to $57 per ton. Waste Industries indicated that it has been absorbing increased costs for some time rather than raising customer rates.
Since 2004, the town has pursued commercial solid waste franchise agreements at the request of the business community to leverage better pricing and services as a community. Each business pays Waste Industries directly, with rates based on service level and frequency. All businesses are required to use the same service provider.
The town is in the process of issuing a survey to customers on the franchise. The survey seeks feedback on customer service and asks about future service needs and the willingness to pay rate adjustments. Results should be available by the end of October. To date, the town has not received any service complaints about Waste Industries.
For more information, contact Assistant Town Manager/Public Works Director Nicole Ard by e-mail or by phone at 732-1270 Ext. 77. Or contact Public Works Supervisor Ken Hines by e-mail or by phone at 732-1270 Ext. 78.
The two requests are on the agenda for the board’s regular monthly meeting on Oct. 10 in the Town Barn, 101 E. Orange St. on the Town Hall campus.
Waste Industries—which provides solid waste and recycling services to businesses, churches, nonprofits and multi-family housing communities in town through a franchise agreement negotiated by the Town of Hillsborough—made the requests on Oct. 3.
Per the agreement, the town has 60 days to respond to the rate request or the rate becomes effective. Rate adjustments are limited to no more than 10 percent per year, according to the franchise. This is the first rate adjustment that Waste Industries has sought since the current franchise agreement started in August 2009. The franchise expires July 31. Under the agreement, two one-year extensions are allowed and the town must provide notice of franchise renewal or discontinuation within 90 days of the agreement’s expiration.
Waste Industries is seeking the rate adjustment based on a 6 percent increase in the consumer price index in January and a $5 per ton increase in the tipping fees at the Orange County Landfill. Effective in July, the tipping fees increased from $52 to $57 per ton. Waste Industries indicated that it has been absorbing increased costs for some time rather than raising customer rates.
Since 2004, the town has pursued commercial solid waste franchise agreements at the request of the business community to leverage better pricing and services as a community. Each business pays Waste Industries directly, with rates based on service level and frequency. All businesses are required to use the same service provider.
The town is in the process of issuing a survey to customers on the franchise. The survey seeks feedback on customer service and asks about future service needs and the willingness to pay rate adjustments. Results should be available by the end of October. To date, the town has not received any service complaints about Waste Industries.
For more information, contact Assistant Town Manager/Public Works Director Nicole Ard by e-mail or by phone at 732-1270 Ext. 77. Or contact Public Works Supervisor Ken Hines by e-mail or by phone at 732-1270 Ext. 78.
Hillsborough seeking feedback on commercial solid waste service
The Town of Hillsborough needs businesses, churches and nonprofits to share information that will help town staff and business representatives review the current solid waste service and consider any change in 2012.
Refuse and recycling service currently is provided by a franchise with Waste Industries to businesses, churches and nonprofit groups within the town’s limits, including apartment and condominium complexes. The franchise expires July 31.
Businesses, churches and nonprofits are asked to take 10 minutes to answer basic questions in a survey about their current and future solid waste needs, any possible service rate increase and desired customer service response time. The information—which will be collected through Friday, Oct. 21—will be used to solicit interested firms. The goal is to renew the current franchise or award a new franchise in the spring.
The survey can be found online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/DTTZN9Q.
Those agencies that do not have Internet access may obtain a hard copy of the survey from the town. For a copy of the survey or for more information about the survey, contact Public Works Supervisor Ken Hines by email or by phone at 732-1270, ext. 78.
Since 2004, the Town of Hillsborough has pursued commercial solid waste franchise agreements at the request of the business community to leverage better pricing and services as a community. Each business pays the franchise provider directly, with rates based on service level and frequency. All businesses are required to use the same service provider.
Currently, Waste Industries is requesting a one-year extension on the franchise agreement and a 5-percent rate increase for solid waste services. Two one-year extensions are allowed under the franchise agreement, as well as a rate adjustment of up to 10 percent per year in response to the consumer price index.
Refuse and recycling service currently is provided by a franchise with Waste Industries to businesses, churches and nonprofit groups within the town’s limits, including apartment and condominium complexes. The franchise expires July 31.
Businesses, churches and nonprofits are asked to take 10 minutes to answer basic questions in a survey about their current and future solid waste needs, any possible service rate increase and desired customer service response time. The information—which will be collected through Friday, Oct. 21—will be used to solicit interested firms. The goal is to renew the current franchise or award a new franchise in the spring.
The survey can be found online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/DTTZN9Q.
Those agencies that do not have Internet access may obtain a hard copy of the survey from the town. For a copy of the survey or for more information about the survey, contact Public Works Supervisor Ken Hines by email or by phone at 732-1270, ext. 78.
Since 2004, the Town of Hillsborough has pursued commercial solid waste franchise agreements at the request of the business community to leverage better pricing and services as a community. Each business pays the franchise provider directly, with rates based on service level and frequency. All businesses are required to use the same service provider.
Currently, Waste Industries is requesting a one-year extension on the franchise agreement and a 5-percent rate increase for solid waste services. Two one-year extensions are allowed under the franchise agreement, as well as a rate adjustment of up to 10 percent per year in response to the consumer price index.
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