Jefferson County has announced that it has partnered with LRS South to provide curbside residential solid waste services for the unincorporated areas within the county. The new service will begin on Jan. 2, according to a news release.
Starting Monday, Dec. 16, LRS will deliver new blue trash carts to residents. The current service schedule will remain the same to ensure a smooth transition. Residents should only use the new LRS blue trash carts for waste collection.
An LRS representative expressed enthusiasm about the partnership and the opportunity to provide reliable waste collection services to the Jefferson County community.
Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson said he was dissatisfied with the service provided by Waste Management, commonly known as WM, and decided to discontinue the contract with the waste hauler, opting instead to sign a new contract with LRS, which lists a Rosemont, Ill., address as its headquarters. WM officials have questioned the legality of Robinson’s move and have asked the Quorum Court to consider the matter.
Robinson said he had continued to receive many complaints from county residents about the current service. The complaints were similar to those heard at Pine Bluff City Council meetings in the past few months.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The transition to the new LRS carts will begin with a few adjustments due to the New Year’s holiday. Residents are reminded that trash will not be picked up in the new carts before Jan. 2. Due to the holiday, trash collection will be delayed by one day for the first week of January.
For residents whose regular service day is Jan. 1, Jan. 2 or Jan. 3, their new pickup day will be moved to the next day.
To ensure efficient collection, residents should place their carts within six feet of the roadside and at least three feet away from stationary or overhead objects such as basketball hoops, mailboxes, vehicles and other carts. Carts should be set out by 6 a.m. on the collection day or the night before.
All trash should be bagged and the cart lid must be completely closed to prevent littering. LRS will handle the maintenance and repair of their carts. Residents needing a replacement cart can contact LRS and exchanges will be made within five business days.
Any changes to the route schedule due to holidays or bad weather will be communicated via social media and county announcements. If a service day falls on or after a holiday, pickup will be delayed by one day for that week. In bad weather, the collection will be postponed until it is safe with updates provided through the same channels.
Residents should report any missed pickups to LRS and the missed collections will be addressed within 36 hours.
Jefferson County declared an emergency and approved a new contract with LRS Services Waste and Recycling to take over trash pickup services. Robinson issued an order recognizing the dissatisfaction among residents with Waste Management’s services and the impending end of the contract on Dec. 31.
The agreement between Jefferson County and LRS South, LLC, was finalized on Dec. 9. Under this contract, LRS Services will have the exclusive right to collect and transfer residential solid waste within the unincorporated areas of Jefferson County. The contract is set for a base term of three years, ending on Dec. 31, 2028, with automatic extensions unless either party provides notice 90 days before the end of the current term.
According to Robinson, there will be no immediate increase in the county rate.
According to the contract, LRS Services will provide each residential unit with a 95-gallon wheeled cart for weekly trash collection. The base fee for this service is set at $20.75 per month for the first year, with an annual increase of 3.5%. Additional carts can be requested for $12 per month. The county will handle billing and collections, ensuring that LRS Services receives payment for all residential units billed, regardless of individual account statuses.
The contract includes provisions for accommodating disabled residents, ensuring that those who qualify can receive door service at the same rate as curbside service. LRS Services also says it is committed to maintaining high standards of customer service, with a dedicated call center available during business hours to handle inquiries and complaints.
LRS Services is required to comply with all federal, state and local regulations regarding waste collection and disposal. The company will use licensed and approved landfills for waste disposal and will not handle hazardous waste. All collection vehicles and equipment will be maintained in safe and sanitary conditions and employees will adhere to strict safety and conduct standards, according to information provided to the public.
Robinson said Jefferson County’s new contract with LRS Services Waste and Recycling marks a significant step toward improving waste management services for its residents.
“The county is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and addressing any issues promptly to maintain a clean and healthy environment for all,” he said.
For more information, residents can contact the Jefferson County judge’s office or LRS Services directly at their Central Arkansas customer service center.
For any complaints, missed pickups or cart replacements/repairs, residents can contact LRS at JeffersonCo@LRSrecycles.com or call (479) 878-1384. For billing inquiries, additional carts or other service changes, contact Jefferson County at Sandra.Graves@JeffersonCountyAR.gov or call (870) 534-7020.
Jefferson County officials urge residents to adhere to the new guidelines to ensure a smooth transition and efficient waste management service.