JEFFERSON PARISH, La. — The River Birch trash hauler is taking service on the East Bank Jefferson Parish and in Jean Lafitte. This now means the trash company services all of Jefferson Parish. President, Gus Bordelon said his team has been preparing for this transition for the last year, hiring new employees and getting new trucks.
"We're excited, we're fired up and our team is ready to go and prove it to the parish. They gave us a shot to do this. They made the right choice," Bordelon said.
While things won't change for people serviced on the West Bank, there are some things folks need to know in the new service areas. New garbage trucks mean new rules.
Safety Manager, Chris Stewart said, "Try to keep everything inside the container and away from any hazards overhead, a parked car, a vehicle, mailboxes, anything like that. Break down boxes and don't put any hazardous material inside. Help us, help you."
The company invested in automated trucks that pick up the garbage cans one at a time. They operate on a loop schedule that picks up trash on one side of the street first, and then circles back to the other side.
Bordelon said, "If you wake up this morning and your neighbors across the street garbage is picked up, be patient. We're coming back around; we'll be back later on in the day to collect the other side of the street."
Garbage cans also have to be positioned properly too. So, remember, handles to the house. The lid of your can, should open towards the street. River Birch General Manager Luis Lizama said if your trash is not put out properly, it will not be picked up. He said will be picked up twice a week.
"Residents on the East Bank will see a little bit of a difference with the type of collection that we're doing, but it's a lot more efficient," Lizama said.
In neighborhoods like Old Metairie, traditional trucks will be on route with hoppers on the back. Stewart encourages the community to be mindful of their guys as they work their way through the narrow streets.
"When you see a truck, there's going to be somebody on, that could be getting off and around, out across the street, so just slow down and give him space to get around," she said.
When it comes to trash cans, there is no need to get a new one if you are in the new service areas. If your cart is damaged and needs to be repaired or replaced, you can call the River Birch customer service line. Bordelon said you can buy your own can if you want but make sure it's a similar size to your old one.
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