Republic Services issues statement on trash containers

Following a Republic Services town hall meeting last Friday, Republic Services have issued a statement about how Ocean Pines residents can exchange their trash containers for smaller ones.

 Republic officials said residents could also use that number, 443-210-3505, to inquire about special accommodations for those with mobility or other issues, or for other questions about their trash collection.

 To view a video of the town hall, visit Click Here.

 For an updated FAQ on Republic Services trash collection, visit Click Here.

 For information on leaf collection, visit Click Here.

At the start of the town hall, Ocean Pines Board member Jeff Heavner spoke on behalf of the Board about recent changes in trash collection.

 Full comments from Heavner are below:

 “Our community has been very pleased with Republic Services for the past few years. However, we seem to be at an inflection point due to the current changes that are being made to your services. This has become a concern for our community.

“You must be aware that our community consists of about 50% of part-time residents and our full-time residents have an average age of 62. In whole, our community is one that is happy and very satisfied with life in the Pines. Why? The Association is focused on providing superior safety, top-tier amenities, quality governance and administration, well-managed infrastructure maintenance, community beautification and the availability of necessary services. I must add that this is accomplished for a very fair and community competitive homeowner association fee.

 “The Association is well in-tune with the needs and sentiment of the community. This is accomplished through our administration’s attention to robust social media platforms. The pulse of the community is also monitored by the Board of directors through our connection and interaction as we listen to our neighbors.

“The changes in your service that are causing this inflection point are the transition to larger trash cans, discontinuing the use of smaller trash cans and no pick-up of trash bags.

“The larger cans are creating problematic issues with some due to the size and weight of the can itself and with others due to the inability to properly store this larger can.

“To some, the size and weight of the can is just too large due to physical limitations.

 “To others, the size and weight of the can is just too difficult to roll over gravel driveways.

 “Many residents use their own smaller cans because the size and weight of the previous can make it unmanageable.

 “We also have several townhome neighborhoods that do not have the space to either store the larger cans in a small one-car garage or the space to adequately screen the cans from the front view. Additionally, we have single family homes with smaller garages or those without garages that the same issue exists. The Parke is a good example.

 “The Ocean Pines declaration of restrictions require all cans to be stored in a manner, so the cans are not visible from the front view. Many store their cans in a garage or other indoor space or take the extra step to provide an acceptable screen.

“The inability to use larger cans results in our residents using smaller cans, trash bags or taking their trash to the Berlin Transfer Station.

 “The recent transition to larger cans and not allowing our residents to either use smaller cans or bagged trash is negatively impacting our community. This inconvenience will force the use of other alternatives, and we imagine it will also negatively impact Republic revenues.

 “Since the recent change, I’ve seen a substantial number of cans either left at the curb or placed in yards in full view. This is a safety hazard for walkers, runners and bike riders. Our General Manager and his operational team, supported by the Board, have worked hard to beautify our community. Now, as you go down the Parkway or travel the streets in the neighborhood, what you see is a line of bright blue cans.

 “To conclude, we ask consideration to allow alternative methods for trash collection to remain as it has been in the past.”