Changes in Waste Collection Services in Asheville, N.C.
Asheville, N.C. is buzzing with a lot of changes regarding waste removal services in the county. Starting January 1, 2025, FCC Environmental Services will be taking over the waste collection duties from Waste Pro. The shift is happening amidst a rise in garbage collection as families prepare for the busy holiday season.
Transitioning Waste Services
So, what’s happening? Well, Waste Pro has already been busy collecting over 2,200 trash cans throughout Buncombe County as part of the transition. Residents have noticed that their trash cans are going missing, and this has sparked quite a bit of confusion and concern among many homeowners.
One West Asheville resident, Madisen Dingle, reported a surprise when she found that both her trash can and recycling bin had vanished. “Our trash pickup day is on Monday. We’ll usually put them out, and when we come home from work that night, we’ll put them away. I’m definitely a little bit worried,” she shared. Many were caught off guard, unaware of the service changes that were on the horizon.
Community Confusion
Another resident, Lorie Rickard, chimed in, noting that she hadn’t heard anything until the cans went missing. “I started contacting some of the neighbors. Some of the neighbors started contacting me. All our trash cans are missing. Literally half the neighborhood was reaching out wondering where their trash cans were,” Rickard said.
It turns out that the residents of West Asheville weren’t alone in their confusion. Many community members were shocked to find out that they had to sign up for the new FCC service, and the lack of communication about this transition has left some feeling unsettled.
What Happens Next?
According to county officials, if your trash can has mysteriously disappeared this week, you can expect an FCC can to show up for your next trash day. The good news is that all Waste Pro subscribers should receive an FCC trash can automatically, whether or not they’ve signed up for the new service. FCC already has the complete list of Waste Pro customers and will be delivering new cans at all subscriber locations.
County spokesperson Lillian Govus reassured residents, explaining that “If you have a bear can, and you paid for it through Waste Pro, that’s your can. Waste Pro will come by and place a new vinyl decal on it to show that it’s on the new service. You’re good to go.”
Addressing Concerns
Despite the reassurances, residents are still concerned about the timing of the transition. “It’s the busiest month of the year,” Rickard pointed out. With Christmas approaching, many people are gearing up for gatherings filled with presents, decorations, and leftovers, all of which will generate a good amount of waste.
Dingle expressed her frustration, mentioning that “There’s a trash disposal site that’s maybe 15 minutes from here. That’s definitely not the same as having your weekly trash pickup.” This sentiment reflects a growing worry among locals as they juggle the demands of the holiday season while trying to navigate this sudden change in their waste management options.
Staying Informed
As we roll into this new year, it’s essential for residents to stay informed about their waste collection services. The transition to FCC Environmental Services might create some bumps along the way, but with clear communication and understanding, Asheville’s residents can adjust to what is sure to be a smoother waste collection process in the long run.
