METAIRIE, La. — The new year will bring higher utility bills and a new trash hauler to some Jefferson Parish residents. They’ll also be without recycling for a short while.
The average bill for water, sewer and garbage pickup will go up between $16 to $20 per month. River Birch will do the pickup for the east bank of Jefferson and the town of Lafitte.
“Right now, there's a lot of criticism about 'what ifs' and 'what may happen,' but if there are problems after the rollout, contact our office after rollout and we will address those problems, but let's give River Birch a chance to rollout their garbage collection program," said Jefferson Parish Councilman at Large Scott Walker.
The previous provider on the east bank, Waste Connections, did not put in another bid. For River Birch it’s an expansion in Jefferson Parish where they are already picking up trash on the west bank.
“There shouldn’t be a significant change,” said Walker. “It should be pretty easy to adjust to.”
The parish says residents can keep their trash cans unless they are broken.
Broken cans should be reported to the parish and it will be replaced.
There will be a delay in recycling though as the parish is finalizing a deal with Ramelli Waste.
Once that contract is in place, residents will have their recycling bins replaced with carts with lids.
“When you lift the lid on the new bin, there will be a sticker to remind you what can be put in and what can’t be put in,” said Walker.
The councilman says that education is the key as right now only a small percentage of what is placed for recycling is actually able to be recycled.