Garbage bags still lining many streets despite new container rules
By Ann Powers
As of March 1, it is mandatory for residential and business trash-removal customers to use their new Frontier Waste Solutions carts and not leave garbage bags or unauthorized containers on curbs.
Apparently, not everybody got the memo on that, according to city officials.
City Finance Director Jason Breisch said municipal offices have been flooded with complaints about people not following mandates under the new trash ordinance approved last month, which states Frontier’s containers must be used. Many garbage bags and unauthorized bins continue to line local streets.
“We have received 300 phone calls in three days,” said Breisch.
Eventually if customers don’t abide, their trash may not be collected and they could face fines or even criminal charges in extreme cases.
“We’re not looking to do that,” added Breisch. “We’re looking to clean the city up.”
The ordinance also states customers need to have their Frontier cart at the curb by 6:45 a.m. on collection days and cannot leave them behind after garbage is picked up.
Frontier secured the city’s trash-removal contract following the recommendation of a city committee working with an Austin-based consulting firm, Solid Waste Specialist. Frontier beat out the former provider, Waste Connections, with a majority of points awarded by the committee. The $23 million Frontier contract went into effect March 1.
To help inform the community, a flyer about the changes, in both English and Spanish, wasincluded in February’s residential utility bills. It listed services, instructions, bulky waste/bundled item guidelines, contact information and a QR code to scan for pickup days. Those without a device to scan QR codes were instructed to contact city hall directly.
“Look back at that flyer and just follow the new procedures,” said Breisch. “(Customers) are paying for (the service), they might as well use it.”
In addition, Frontier representatives reached out to businesses in person to facilitate a seamless transition. They also circulated a brochure focusing on the commercial community.
Moreover, the company’s app was updated to accommodate both residential and business customers in Mineral Wells. And, “Town Hall” meetings were scheduled to provide information and answer questions.
Despite efforts to educate the community and foster a smooth switch to Frontier, Mayor Regan Johnson said some customers may have not received the information, were confused about the changes, or have other issues interfering with their ability to abide to the new trash-removal methods.
“As with anything there were some hiccups,” she said. “It’s being fixed quickly.”
Johnson said a team of upper-management Frontier representatives came to Mineral Wells to mitigate problems. She noted many of them even drove the company’s garbage trucks on routes themselves in order to resolve concerns.
Regan said customers having issues with their trash-removal should contact Frontier at (888) 854-2905.
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