Residents get questions answered at workshops

The city and its trash collection vendor, American Refuse, held two workshops over the weekend geared to inform residents and answer questions about the upcoming change in trash collection schedules and procedures.

With the enforcement of new state requirements to reduce organic waste, the city has contracted with American Refuse to take over residential solid waste collection.

"Essentially, the city of Shafter is out of the trash collection business," said Public Works Michael James at a recent City Council meeting.

At the workshops, residents got a chance to see the new cans that they will be getting for the homes.

By the end of January in 2023, all Shafter residents will be on a three-cart system, with each cart designated for a certain material. A black can will be for household trash, with a blue container for recyclables, such as paper, aluminum cans and plastic. A green can will be for green waste, such as grass, limbs and clean wood.

Each resident will be responsible for their own cans, with residents required to put cans on the curbside on the designated day for the pickup.

A continuing concern is the elimination of alley service, forcing residents to move cans to the front of their homes.

"Once you receive your three carts and the new schedule is started, there will be no more alley service," said Lynnda Martin, of American Refuse.

She did say that efforts will be made to help elderly residents and others who have trouble getting their cans to the curb.

The first section, in the southern part of the city, will be getting their new cans and begin the new procedures on July 25. The southwest part will be next/

The new rate for curbside pickup – $26.20 per month – will mean a $1 decrease for customers who are currently on curbside service. Those who currently have alley service will see their bills increase by $10 to $27.30.