[StBernard] Large, convenient roll off boxes might again be used for garbage and trash collection

[Westley Annis]

St. Bernard Parish residents and small businesses might again receive large
roll off boxes convenient to put at curbside for garbage and trash
collection, similar to ones used before Hurricane Katrina.

Sidney D. Torres IV, operator of SDT Waste and Debris Services, the private
company that won a bid to collect garbage in St. Bernard Parish, said he
will invest $500,000 to buy the 95-gallon roll off boxes if parish
government gives him a three-year contract extension.

The parish "wouldn't pay more'' for the boxes if the contract is extended.
Torres said. "There may be ways to cut costs'' on a multi-year contract.

Parish government is paying about $130,000 a month to have garbage collected
twice a week at homes and businesses, as well as operating drop-off sites at
the Gore pumping station at Poydras and on Paris Road in Chalmette. 

Parish Council members and Chief Administrative Office Dave Peralta, who met
with Torres on Jan. 11, said they will look into whether a contract
extension would have to be re-bid or if the existing contract that expires
at the end of this year can be extended.

The boxes prevent animals from tearing up bags and spreading garbage on a
street, Torres said, and help cut down on odor. "They give a uniform look''
to a block, he said.

Torres, whose company has more than 100 employees, just received a 7-year
contract for garbage collection in the French Quarter. He said he would
operate his business from St. Bernard, his native parish. He is the son of
Chalmette area attorney Sidney D. Torres III.

Council members agreed the roll off boxes are convenient for residents and
small business operators, who now put out their own garbage cans or leave
garbage in plastic bags at curbside. The boxes were used in the parish
before Hurricane Katrina by the previous garbage collection company Waste
Management

The wheeled boxes "would be a big help to residents,'' Council member Ricky
Melerine said.

Council Chairman Joseph DiFatta said it would be a good to lock in a price
for another three years and said he would like to extend the contract and
get the boxes to people as soon as possible.

Torres said that within 60 days of getting a contract extension the boxes
would be available for residents and business operators to sign up to
receive.

Torres also said any resident or business owner experiencing a problem with
garbage or trash collection can call (504) 799-8019.
 
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Gee...why does it seem logical to link a Torres with trash and garbage. ;-)