New Garbage Collection Times in City Begin Next Week

New trash disposal trucks will be roaring through Manassas Park neighborhoods beginning next week.

 Patriot Disposal won the bid to provide solid waste collection and disposal to the city.

Bids from three companies were opened on Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. and Patriot Disposal was the lowest bidder, offering services for $694,224.

 Bates Trucking Inc. placed a bid for $806,256 while American Disposal, the company that currently provides services to Manassas Park, had the highest bid at $828,876.

American  has handled Manassas Park's solid waste collection and disposal since May of 2004. The contract expired in June, but the company granted the city two, three-month contract extensions while the city explored its options for waste disposal.

 At a city council meeting held earlier this month, Manassas Park Public Works Director James "Jay" Johnson said that Patriot Disposal comes with excellent references.

 Trash will be collected from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m on Wednesdays, later than the current collect hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. This allows people more time to get their trash outside, Johnson told council.

Residents shouldn't put their trash on the curb any earlier than 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.

 Patriot will replace or repair damaged trash bins for its Manassas Park customers and distribute new, larger 64-gallon recycling bins beginning Feb. 1.

Customer who have purchased their own recycling bins and want to keep using them should call Patriot Disposal at 703- 257-7100 before Feb. 1.

Other questions and concerns should be directed to Laura Coughanour, Manassas Park Refuse and Recycling Coordinator at (703) 393-0881 or email l.coughanour@manassasparkva.gov".