More flexible trash pickups are sought

Thursday, March 1, 2007 | 7:08 a.m.

Proposed changes in Las Vegas' trash collection procedures would give commercial users more flexibility in determining how frequently their garbage is picked up.

The current ordinance allows for pickups of only two, six or seven times a week. Under the proposal, businesses could tailor the number of pickup days per week to meet their needs.

"Previously if somebody said, 'My business is only open five days a week,' they had to get at least six days because there was no approved rate for five times a week," said Bob Coyle, area president of Republic Services, Las Vegas' trash company.

The proposal mirrors a plan that went into effect late last year in North Las Vegas, Henderson and Clark County, all of which also use Republic Services.

Proposed monthly collection rates would range from $7.92 for a 96-gallon mobile container picked up once a week to $1,313.52 for an eight cubic-yard container (about 1,616 gallons) with seven collections per week. High volume customers also would get a price break on additional containers.

Coyle said the added pickup times would help code enforcement by eliminating a common excuse among business owners.

Some business owners contend that under the current schedule, they have to allow trash to pile up because they cannot afford unnecessary pickups.

Las Vegas Councilman Steve Ross, who voted for the proposed ordinance at a Feb. 20 committee meeting, says the measure, which goes before the full council later this month, could solve that problem.

"Overflow trash causes a great nuisance for the city and the more frequently it is picked up the better for everyone," Ross said.

The proposal also would update service charges for solid waste and recycling, set additional charges for overflow collection and eliminate charges for discontinuing service.

In addition, it would allow the city, at its discretion, to implement pilot programs for recycling or to impose additional customer service standards.