The City of Brookhaven is in charge of debris pickup again.

The city took over debris pickup in late February, and will continue to pick up debris for the time being, even after a contract with a new trash collection company is signed.  Negotiations are ongoing for a new trash collection company, with bids opened for the position on May 1. 

“We had everything we needed to do it, and it was easier for the city to start doing it again,” said Brookhaven Public Works Director Keith Lewis.

The routes and times have changed since Waste Pro no longer handles the job.  A different section of the city will be serviced each day, Monday-Thursday, and then on Friday pickup will be city-wide so the crews can get anything they missed.

The trucks will run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and there is no cutoff for putting debris out.  Debris must be placed on the edge of the property line, but not in the street.  Debris must also be separated into piles for vegetation, wood and other types of debris.

“The biggest thing is separation. Bear with us, because this is the first week for the new schedule.  Once next week gets here we’ll be on schedule,” Lewis said.

Normal debris pickup is provided by the city, but there will be charges in cases of miscellaneous items such as furniture.  A supervisor will assess what the object is and if it can be picked up.

After debris is picked up by the city, it is taken to a landfill where a contractor comes in and grinds everything up before it is hauled off.

“Burning in the city is not recommended, and certain materials can be burned only with the possession of a permit from the Brookhaven Fire Department.” Lewis said.

Story by Gracie Byrne