Garbage Gets Expensive in the South

Lynn Schenkman

Atlanta – Residents using the city’s garbage collection service will see a rise in their trash bills, but city officials are still negotiating exactly how much the increase will be. According to the

Atlanta Journal Constitution

, the city needs to tack on a maximum of $83 per year per residence for weekly pickup. Mayor Shirley Franklin is examining aspects of what many consider a foundering garbage program to see what costs can be eliminated. Among the cost-saving measures she and her staff are considering are privatizing and automating services. Critics of the proposed hike say the Franklin Administration is not being considerate of residents who are on a fixed income.