The Tribune

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT'S Sanitation Services is investing $500,000 to outfit its garbage trucks with 'Tippers' and bring operations into line with international trash collection standards.

The waste collection and disposal company said it is introducing a new system to provide galvanised garbage bins for its 7,000 residential customers. "For years now customers have borne the responsibility of providing and maintaining their own trash receptacles," said Sanitation's general manager, Lou Carroll. "What we are proposing is that we, the company, take on that responsibility at a cost.

"We would not only provide the bins but also maintain them as well, and improve the standards of bins while changing bins that are damaged at our cost."

The garbage trucks would be outfitted with 'Tippers' to make collection easier and limit exposure to potentially harmful and toxic waste, which technicians are currently required to handle in the field.

"At present there are numerous hindrances to our collection efforts, and those issues have major implications for the health of our employees and for the environment as a whole," said Mr Carroll.

Sanitation Services said the plan requires an investment of nearly $500,000, which would require a monthly increase of one-two cents on customer collections billings.

"In these economic times we understand that for our customers every dollar counts, which is why our clients will be given the opportunity to weigh in on this proposal via an island-wide survey," said Mr Carroll.

The survey, which was released to the public via the online services of 242 New Bahamas, a subsidiary of Barefoot Marketing, will determine customer satisfaction with Sanitation's current services and the public's willingness to pay for system upgrades.

"Grand Bahama, especially Freeport, is known for its cleanliness," said Mr Caroll.

"We feel this upgrade will enhance the look of our garbage areas, reduce the costs of maintaining these by homeowners and keep our city clean and pristine," he said.