Brookhaven officials are again asking for citizens’ help inseparating garbage and trash items that are put out fordisposal.

Willie W. Smith, Brookhaven Solid Waste-Trash superintendent,voiced concern about residents’ mixing garbage and trash.

“If they would separate it, we could get it,” Smith said.

The city operates different trash and garbage routes.

Trash was described as yard waste such as trees, limbs, flowersand rubbish. It is material that can be transported to the city’srubbish field for disposal.

Garbage was described as paper, bottles, glass, containers andother househould waste. It must be taken to the transfer stationand then to an approved landfill for disposal.

When garbage and trash is mixed, it is considered garbage andthe city is charged $36 a ton at the transfer station. Smith saidcitizens’ help in separating garbage from trash would assist inkeeping costs down for customers and the city.

“We’re trying to keep it without the cost of services beingraised,” Smith said.

The city operates a rubbish field at the old landfill as a wayof trying to reduce disposal costs. There are two fields dependingon what type of rubbish is delivered, said Ricky Watson, dozeroperator.

Watson said tires, which are supposed to be taken to the countyunit barn on Highway 51, and paint cans, which are prohibited,occassionally arrive at the site.

“If I see them I put them out to the side,” Watson said. “Thereare certain things that aren’t allowed here.”