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Business gets a break on garbage rates, homeowners wait for review

Some businesses are now getting a break on garbage rates under the new contract with First Class Waste Services, but homeowners will have to wait until next year to see if there are any possible savings.

Some businesses are now getting a break on garbage rates under the new contract with First Class Waste Services, but homeowners will have to wait until next year to see if there are any possible savings.The good news for the commercial sector was announced at last Monday’s council meeting.“I wish everyone could be getting a break, but this break is for those (companies) who use bins,” said town manager Earl Rowe.The minimum cost for small businesses who dispose of their garbage by individual garbage bags will also remain the same for now.The drop in bin rates “represents what we are comfortable with right now, with the data we have today,” added Mayor Laurie French.But by the end of the year “we will know for the first time the tonnage of recycling collected” between the commercial and the residential sector, added Rowe.That data is vital in determining the cost of residential versus commercial collections.“This (drop in rates) is a temporary thing, but I think our businesses will be pleased,” said Rowe.The new commercial rate kicks in this month.The lower rates were made possible by eliminating the administration fee from the District of Hope as First Class is opening individual contracts directly with its customers.Previously customer accounts were maintained at the district hall.Other savings can be realized by business owners under the new contractor by adjusting their bin size and varying the frequency of the pick ups as needed.Local business owners will now have “control over their costs, for what is relevant in January to May, may not be relevant during our busy summer season,” added Rowe.Now they can “call the contractor” and change the frequency of their pick-ups.The rates, both residential and commercial, will again come under review late this year after a year-long study of garbage and recycling collection, disposal, landfill operating, leachate control, and closure costs. The aim of the review is to create a complete picture of where we currently stand and where we are going in the future in regards to solid waste collection.