City may take over recycling services

By Staff
Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
Hartselle is considering moving its curbside recycling service in-house after being notified by the current provider that it’s not renewing its contract.
Curbside recycling is currently provided by Allied Waste Service. Mayor Dwight Tankersley said he received notification last week that Allied does not want to renew its contract, ending a relationship its had with the city since 1998. Allied said it would offer a proposal if the city opted to seek bidders but it would be at a rate about 40 cents per month higher than the current $2.10 monthly charge.
Instead of ending the service, the city is looking at contracting with Traylor Group of Rainsville. The change would mean the city would pick up the waste and take it to a baler provided by the Traylor Group. Once baled, the city would load the recyclables onto a trailer provided by Traylor. Trayor would then pick up the trailer and pay the city for the recyclables. The same type of items will be recyclable.
Tankersley said the change would not increase the current fee. It would mean a change in scheduling, however. Recycling is currently picked up every week. If the city takes over the service, it would change to every other week pickup. However, Traylor would provide the city with 64 gallon lidded bins for recyclables, compared to the current 18 gallon open containers.
The public works department would hire one additional employee to handle the extra work.
Allied’s contract is set to expire Feb. 6, though company officials said they are willing to give the city a 90 day extension while it makes other arrangements.
Earlier this year, the city took over garbage service from the county. Tankersley said he thinks the city can provide the same level of service for the recycling pickup.
If the council approves the recycling change, it will start sometime in May.