NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell signed two new city contracts for trash services on Thursday, which will cover much of New Orleans, starting next month.
Waste Pro and IV Waste are expected to take over for Metro in Service Area 2, starting Nov. 7. That zone includes Lakeview, Gentilly, New Orleans East and the Lower 9th Ward.
Mayor Cantrell said she believes the new contracts will afford people in these neighborhoods with services they haven't had since before Hurricane Ida.
"Since the fall of 2021 -- post-Ida -- our current contractor for Service Areas 2 and 3 ... have really been unable to provide the core collection services that our residents need and expect from us on a daily basis," Cantrell said.
Cantrell also called the contracts, “the return of recycling to the City of New Orleans,” marking what she said was the first time the city has had recycling services since Ida.
These developments come as tensions rose between the City of New Orleans and outgoing trash collector Metro Service Group, who city officials said must fulfill its contract or step aside.
The latest statement from the City says in part, "The City has been transparent in its process to solicit and award new collection contracts to replace Metro as the service provider for Service Area 2. This administration is committed to improving quality of life and providing all residents with the enhanced, consistent and reliable City services they deserve."
Meanwhile, Metro is pointing the finger back at the City. Metro has filed for bankruptcy protection, which is blocking the city from terminating its contract with the company. The trash collector blames the city partly for that filing, saying the city is not paying them enough for work done.
Virginia Miller, a spokesperson for Metro, said, "The city has been saying that they paid $6 million to 'assist' Metro. That is false. Metro has never sought financial assistance. "
This back and forth will eventually play out in court. For now, the city is planning on having two other current trash providers pick up the slack. For more details on your collection dates click here or text "TRASH" TO 504-529-4444.