Beaufort residents caught off guard as outgoing trash collection company makes early exit
There’s been a hiccup in the transition between garbage haulers in Beaufort, and the city isn’t happy about it.
The city said previously that Capital Waste, the new hauler, would start service on July 1. Now, Capital Waste has been pressed into service Monday, June 28, and it’s started delivering thousands of trash bins earlier than expected to prepare.
The city was caught by surprise when Waste Pro, the outgoing hauler, began collecting its old bins after garbage was emptied Monday, the city said. Originally, under the transition plan worked out by the city, Waste Pro was to continue garbage collection through June 30.
That prompted Capital Waste Services, Beaufort’s new contractor for waste and recycling, to start delivering new 9,000 garbage and recycling bins to single-family homes in Beaufort earlier than expected this week.
It expects to have all bins delivered by early next week.
At a City Council meeting Tuesday evening, City Manager Bill Prokop apologized to residents and asked for their patience. Waste Pro, Prokop added, had “let down” the city and did not follow its agreement.
“It’s very disappointing the way this is being handled,” Prokop said.
As a result of the early exit, some residents may see cans being delivered and picked up at the same time by the two companies.
“You are going to see more cans on the street for sure,” said Linda Roper, director of Downtown Operations and Community Services.
Once residents have their new bins from Capital Waste, they should use them, the city said.
Beginning Monday, June 28, Capital Waste will collect residential trash. Recycling pickups will begin the week of July 5 and will be on the same day as the resident’s trash pickup.
If there are any issues with garbage pickup next week, residents may Capital Waste Services at 843-757-2722. Commercial businesses in the City of Beaufort should call Capital Waste Services to verify that the business is on the list to receive a new trash bin.
Matt Parker of Capital Waste Service said Waste Pro chose to discontinue providing contracted services to residents and businesses of Beaufort through the end of its contact term June 30.
“We hope the residents in the City of Beaufort have no interruption in service, and we’ll continue to work very hard to ensure we provide the best service possible despite the challenges provided by the incumbent service provider,” Parker said.
Waste Pro was not immediately available for comment.
On June 8, the City Council OK’d a new five-year contract with Columbia-based Capital Waste Services, which has an office in Ridgeland. Waste Pro of Hardeeville had held a contract with the city since 2009.
This story was originally published June 22, 2021 at 4:27 PM.
