HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Hopkinsville Solid Waste Enterprise has announced a change in how residential trash will be collected that may impact households in the city.

Starting on April 13 only household trash placed inside approved containers will be collected during regular service. Bags, boxes, or other bulk materials left outside of containers will not be picked up, according to a news release from Hopkinsville Solid Waste.

“Simply put, if it does not fit inside your container, it will not be collected as regular trash,” said HSWE. Cardboard boxes should be broken down and placed in the bins and larger, bulk items that are unable to fit will continue to be collected separate from residential trash pickup as well as yard waste collection.

The current residential rate of $25 per month covers the collection of household trash placed inside one
container. Additional services, including the collection of bulk items and yard waste, have been provided at no extra charge.

Change comes to save cost

HSWE clarified as to why this change is necessary, explaining that household trash collected in standard garbage trucks is taken to an out-of-town facility, which comes at an additional cost for them. However, bulk items that are collected by their boom truck can be disposed of locally at no additional cost.

“The rates we pay at the out-of-town facility are based on weight,” said Brian Silver, General Manager of
Hopkinsville Solid Waste. “When larger items like couches or furniture are mixed in, it significantly increases the total weight and the cost of disposal.”

When a standard garbage truck also collects bulk items, all of those materials must be taken out of town which increases the department’s disposal cost. Keeping these materials separate allows for more efficient and cost effect service, according to HSWE.

“We appreciate our residents working with us as we make this change and remain committed to providing dependable service,” Silver added. Residents with questions or needing additional information are encouraged to contact Hopkinsville Solid Waste.

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