You might not give a lot of thought to what happens to the trash you throw out. But in Lake County, commissioners are planning to change the way the county collects garbage and gets rid of it.
A new contract took effect Wednesday, which allows the county to haul its trash to Sumter County for $19 a ton.
The county was previously paying $40 a ton to have it incinerated and buried in Lake County under a 25-year contract that expired Tuesday.
There’s also three new companies handling garbage pickup and disposal.
Waste Corporation of America will handle duties in the northeastern part of the county.
Their entire fleet of trucks run on compressed natural gas.
“The intrinsic benefits for the customer is it’s a much quieter truck that the residents will like much better," WCA COO Chris Valerian said. "They aren’t hearing the engines roaring in the morning.”
A rebate program from the state was used to help buy the fleet of garbage trucks, and the compressed natural gas used to keep them running.
“They are saying we are environmentally conscious to have our trucks powered by compressed natural gas and we think that’s a consistent message with the consumer to try to recycle more,” State Rep. Larry Metz said.
Customers will now choose two of the three size carts offered. The plain tan can will be for trash, while recycling will go in carts with a green top.
There will not be a separate cart for yard waste. However, residents may dispose of yard waste as they previously did, such as old cans, bags, bundled or gathered near the curb.
Cans should all be delivered by Friday, and all the changes take place starting Monday. Trash pickup days will change for many homeowners.
“Be patient with us, We have all new routes all new people,” Lake County Public Works Director Jim Stivender said.
Depending on where you live you could see an increase or decrease on your special trash assessment.