Century Town Council Seeks Solutions for Yard Waste Collection Issues

Residents of Century are expressing dissatisfaction with the yard waste collection services provided by Waste Pro, the town’s new solid waste contractor. This change marks the first new provider in over three decades, and while town officials acknowledge the issues, they indicate that Waste Pro is not solely to blame.

At the center of the frustration is the “black can,” a green container with a black lid designed for yard waste. Town council members have raised concerns about the practicality of using this single can for larger yard debris. Council member John Bass voiced his struggles with the can, stating, “You just can’t” fit many tree limbs and other materials inside.

The contract with Waste Pro, which is $10.47 more per month than the previous provider, was established after the town realized it was losing money on solid waste and found its grapple truck for yard waste collection was irreparable.

During a recent council meeting, officials discussed the possibility of revisiting the contract to improve the yard waste collection process, emphasizing that citizens should not be forced to fit all of their yard waste into one can. Bass noted, “We just had two different understandings… so it’s really no one’s fault. Now we just need to try to get together to figure out a solution.”

Council President Dynette Lewis reiterated the importance of addressing resident concerns, saying, “Our ultimate goal is to make sure that our citizens are being taken care of. They’re speaking, and we’re hearing.” Mayor Ben Boutwell also acknowledged the need for improvement but stressed the importance of financial sustainability, stating, “I will take care of the citizens, but the Town of Century isn’t losing money, and that’s what it boils down to.”