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Belton centralizes trash, residents not happy

Posted at 7:35 PM, Sep 20, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-20 21:18:56-04

BELTON, Mo. – People who live in Belton are no strangers to trash problems, and now the city is trying to fix it, but not all residents are on board.

The city of Belton recently signed a contract to provide centralized solid waste to residents. 

This basically means that everyone that lives in Belton will be using the same service the city has chosen, as opposed to each resident having individual contracts with the provider of their choosing.

The service kicks in January 1st, but until then people who are new to Belton may have some problems getting their trash picked up.

Since the city signed the contract with Jim’s Disposal Service, residents say some of the other companies that currently service the area, have been difficult to get a hold of.

“There’s people that can’t even get trash service right now because they’re saying, 'Sorry, we aren’t taking any new customers.' Well what are these people supposed to do with their trash?” said Sheila Sarratt, who lives in Belton.

The companies are continuing to pick up trash for the customers they already have until the end of the year, but the city says the problem is that they seem unwilling to take on new ones.

“It’s the new people that are just coming into Belton that don’t have an existing provider and they are trying to find a provider and they are having a difficult time,” said Alexa Barton, City Manager.

Barton says she is aware of the problem and has been in touch with the companies to try and fix it. She also says this is one of the exact reasons the city chose to go to a centralized solid waste program.

“By going to the centralized solid waste we could be in control of that contract so we wouldn’t have those health concerns in the future,” said Barton.

The service will cost $12.41 a month and be added to residents’ water bills. While it will be cheaper, some people say they are upset they had no say in the decision.

“We didn’t get a chance, they were like okay this is who we’ve chosen for you and we didn’t get a voice,” said Saratt.

The city says everyone will have to switch, there is no option to opt out. 

Barton is hopeful that once the service starts people will be pleased and get on board.

“This is growing pains right now. We know change is really hard,” said Barton.

The new trash service starts Jan. 1, 2018. The monthly payment of $12.41 per household covers unlimited trash service, unlimited recycling, and yard waste. There will also be two times each year where large items can be picked up.