MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphians could soon pay more for trash pick-up over the next few years as Memphis city leaders are considering a 38% Solid Waste fee.
Still, some residents said they haven't seen a trash pick-up in more than a month, and they want to know where the money they're paying is going.
"They have been picking up the big trash on the street every other Monday, and I have no problem with them," Memphis resident Janice Simms said. "I have plenty of trash out here on both sides, and they’ve always picked it up. All of a sudden, now they're telling me that I got too much and that I have to pay $800 to $1,000. I’m not able to do that."
This resident in the Raleigh area said a hired contractor cut a tree down on her property and left the debris behind. Now, she cannot get anyone to come out and clean it.
"Even if I cut it down to little pieces, they still won’t come out and get it," Simms said.
According to the city of Memphis and city ordinance, all contractors are required to remove limbs they cut or remove.
City ordinance requires contractors to remove debris generated from their work. If the contractor fails to do so, the property owner will be responsible for costs incurred by the city for removal and disposal.
If a property owner cuts their trees, according to the city, the debris will be picked up as long as it meets the city’s ordinance guidelines of 5 feet in length or less than 13 inches in diameter.
The solid waste division which currently collects for single-family residential customers only collects garbage, recycling, and curb-side debris (i.e. leaves and grass clippings).
The division collects a total of 400,000 tons of waste a year.
