Treutlen County begins transition to Amwaste curbside trash pickup

Treutlen County’s trash service has begun the transition from Ryland Environmental to Amwaste, following the Treutlen County Board of Commissioners’ decision to switch service providers.

Under the new service, Amwaste will charge $16.25 per trash can per month, along with an additional $8 per trash can for additional cans. For rolloff fees, the company will charge $375 per haul and $35 per ton.

Amwaste will not charge the county with fuel surcharges, as opposed to the four percent surcharge offered by Ryland.

Billing will be handled through Treutlen County rather than through Amwaste “pretty much the same way Ryland did,” according to County Clerk Angie Hooks. County customers will have to contact the Board of Commissioners Office to subscribe to the new service.

“If you do not have a can from Amwaste, your can will not be emptied,” wrote the board in a social media announcement.

Amwaste began distributing their new trash cans on June 15, aiming to have all cans distributed by June 28. Each new can will come with an accompanying information packet detailing the transition.

Ryland will begin collecting their old trash cans on June 24 through June 30. The Treutlen County Board of Commissioners advised county customers to leave their old cans for collection in the same position they would for emptying.

Amwaste will officially begin its service as Treutlen County’s trash pickup provider on June 29.

The City of Soperton clarified on June 18 the county’s change of trash pickup provider would not affect city residents. The city’s trash pickup schedule, Mondays and Wednesdays, will remain unaltered.

“If you are receiving letters, emails, or other notifications from Amwaste, please disregard them, as they are intended for county residents and do not apply to City of Soperton customers,” wrote the city in an announcement.

The board began reviewing submitted bids for a new contract for trash pickup during their April 6 meeting. Two bids were submitted: one from Ryland Environmental, who previously serviced Treutlen County, and the other from Amwaste.

Rather than make a decision during the April 6 meeting, the board elected to wait until their May meeting to vote, so they would have enough time to review both proposals. They also invited representatives from Ryland and Amwaste to a work session on April 8 to further discuss the details.

“I think [it] would be wise to our constituents to do that,” said board Chairman Phil Jennings during the April 6 meeting.

During the work session, County Manager Joseph Glenn’s biggest concern and inquiry for the Amwaste representatives was their level of communication should residents or the county run into any issues with Amwaste’s service.

“That’s my biggest concern, really, is making sure if we bring you guys on, you’re going to answer the phone,” said Glenn.

According to the Amwaste representatives, Treutlen County would have a dedicated operations manager to maintain communication and address any concerns which may arise.

The board officially selected Amwaste to provide curbside trash pickup services for residents during their meeting on May 4.

“I think it’s a positive win for Treutlen County,” said Amwaste Operations Manager Buddy Baldwin after the decision. “I think Treutlen County is going to see positive effects from it. I think being the local partnership next door is a great thing.”