The Harrison County Utility Authority, the agency that oversees residential garbage, trash and recycling efforts in Biloxi and other cities, will discuss the new pickup services and answer questions during a community meeting this evening from 6 to 7 at the Dr. Frank G. Gruich Sr. Community Center on Howard Avenue.
The meeting, which is open to all Biloxians regardless of where you live in the city, will begin with a presentation about the new services, which will begin Oct. 1. Residents also will have a chance to ask questions. Another meeting is planned for Thursday, Sept. 21 at the Donal M. Snyder Sr. Community Center on Pass Road.
The biggest changes for Biloxi under the contract with the utility authority is that garbage, recycling and trash pickup will be one day a week instead of twice a week, and the monthly fee increases to $14.33, from $12.50.
Pickup for areas north of I-10 and the Eagle Point area will be Thursday of each week and south of I-10 will be Friday. (See the map by clicking here.)
Team Waste will handle garbage and recycling efforts, and a new second company, Pelican Waste & Debris, will be dedicated to trash pick up.
“The biggest issue that everyone had in the past was reliability and accountability,” Biloxi Chief Administrative Officer Mike Leonard said. “They want to know that when they put their garbage, trash or recycling out it is going to be picked on the appointed day. We are encouraged by the steps the Harrison County Utility Authority is taking in the areas of accountability and customer service.”
Among the steps are that bins will have computer chips that will track the location of bins and whether they were picked up as scheduled, and a customer service number – 228-701-9086 – to handle any missed service. The number currently rings directly to HCUA offices. After the new service begins Oct. 1, residents will have a centralized automated menu to connect directly with Team Waste, Pelican Waste or HCUA to report any issues they may be experiencing.
City Desk: A discussion about the new service
Answers to frequently asked questions
More about the new carts
See a map of the pickup schedule
What to do with hazardous waste
