From the Mayor's Desk: Changes to Solid Waste Billing

Note: The following is Peachtree Corners Mayor Mike Mason’s “From the Mayor’s Desk” column in the monthly Inside Peachtree Corners newsletter.

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When we set up our new city, solid waste pickup was one of the most talked about and complained about services in the community. The cost of service, which was provided through the county, was over $200 annually.

After the city was founded in July 2012, city leaders were able to contract with a single provider (Waste Pro) and reduce the annual cost by 38.3%; additionally the city began offering senior citizens age 65 and over a 15% discount on their bills.

Previous “From the Mayor’s Desk” posts

• From the Mayor’s Desk: Highlights from State of the City
• From the Mayor’s Desk: Three Years and Counting ...
• From the Mayor’s Desk: Business Incubator a Boom for Economic Development
• From the Mayor’s Desk: Looking Good, Peachtree Corners
• From the Mayor’s Desk: 3 Questions with Mike Mason

Today citizens pay an annual fee of $138.00, and with a senior citizen discount the cost is $117.30 per year. The monthly costs works out to just $11.50 for the majority of homeowners, and seniors just $9.77. This fee includes curbside garbage collection in a Waste Pro issued 95 gallon roll-out cart and curbside recycling in an 18 gallon recycle bin.

Prior to the city taking over solid waste service in January, 2013, the charge was added to the Gwinnett County property tax bill. Beginning in 2013, the city began billing homeowners separately.

However, you will note that on your newest property tax bill the charge has been added for solid waste pick for the coming year. This was done to streamline the process and eliminate the need for residential property owners to pay their garbage bills separately.

You will find more information on the City’s website, www.peachtreecornersga.gov under the “Residents” tab. Reducing the annual solid waste bill was a priority for the city when it was formed, and we are pleased that we have been able to offer the cost reduction to our citizens.