Take the trash out anyway

Bulk, yard waste collection to continue despite former novel coronavirus changes, mayor says

Lorain’s bulk trash and yard waste collection will continue despite changes to plans to deal with the novel coronavirus.

On April 13, Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley announced Republic Services will pick up largesized items set out to the curb, along with yard waste from outdoor spring cleaning.

The agreement settled a simmering contract dispute about what services would be available.

As early as March, the city began announcing Republic Services would suspend bulk item collection and yard waste disposal. At least two notices about the change in garbage services remained posted at cityoflorain. org on April 13.

Bradley said on April 9, he formally notified the company he believed the suspension of service would violate Republic Services’ contract with the city.

Republic Services agreed to continue the hauling in Lorain.

City Hall was closed April 10 for Good Friday before Easter.

On April 13, city staff learned at 8 a.m. about the Republic Services decision and began spreading the word on the city’s official website and through social media.

Lorain workers tried to get the word out as soon as possible.

But some Facebook commenters said the notice was published after they had their garbage out — and, for some, was already collected.

Bradley acknowledged more advance notice would have been helpful. But the city administration and workers also did not want people putting bulk trash on their lawns and then have it picked up, he said.

As for the garbage collection, Republic Services has published a request for residents to follow guidelines about keeping their household waste contained in bags for collection.

Meanwhile, Lorain residents also can drop off lawn clippings and leaves for free at Alvarado Landscaping Inc. & Garden Center.

The center office is at 7450 Deer Trail Lane, off Baumhart Road on Lorain’s west side. The area for yard waste sits across the street from the office, but residents are asked to check in at the office or call 440-9891120 for guidance on where to take the materials.

The company will accept leaves and grass clippings in brown yard waste bags, or loose yard waste.

Alvarado Landscaping will not accept any materials in plastic garbage bags and staff emphasized the service is for yard waste only, not residential trash.

Drop-off hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weekdays.

Residents must pay $10 to dispose of branches, bushes and part of trees.

The city of Lorain announced that drop-off program on April 9 and it remained in effect on April 13, according to workers at Alvarado Landscaping.