By Sahar Chmais
MOUNTAIN CITY – Residents of Mountain City have been dealing with delays in their trash pick-up times without notice on these setbacks. Some residents have had enough, pleading for city council to find a new waste management company, while others defend the existing service.
During a special city council meeting, designated for this issue, residents gave their feedback on why the city should or should not continue with Dispose All, Mountain City’s current waste management service. While many expressed dismay with Dispose All, city council tabled the item and gave Dispose All some time to fix its issues.
Some residents said during the city council meeting that the city should look for a new company to replace Dispose All due to the delays in trash pick-up. Dispose All had not been communicating with the city or its residents on when these delays were occurring and why they were taking place.
But not all residents want to quit their services.
Dispose All offers to go up to people’s homes to get the trash, which has proven helpful to those who cannot place their trash bins at the end of the driveway due to health issues.
Another reason some residents were in favor of staying in contract Dispose All is the company’s price point. Some are afraid that switching to a new waste management company will cost more money.
Joe Altes, representing Dispose All, admitted their service has not been up to par over the last month. Several months ago, the company’s trucks were vandalized and they have not been able to properly repair the vehicles. Dispose All has been using one truck to service Mountain City.
Council members discussed their decision during executive session. The council tabled the issue, giving Dispose All some time to prove to the city and its residents that they will do better.
The biggest concern council expressed was the lack of communication. Mayor Ralph McClendon stressed the importance of the company communicating with the city and residents when delays or other issues will occur.
Altes said Dispose All is working on to fix its services. First, the company is setting up a program to routinely service its trucks every two weeks. The company will be hiring another driver in order to send out more than one truck. Dispose All is also creating a webpage for better communication with the city and residents, where issues and delays can be announced.
Altes added that he will be transferring the work line to his cell phone so he is more reachable.
