Summit County addresses waste collection delays and improves public communication

The Summit County Council meeting held on January 25, 2023, focused primarily on waste collection services and the ongoing challenges faced by Republic Services in the area. Council members expressed their commitment to improving communication with residents regarding service interruptions, particularly during winter weather events.

During the meeting, a council member highlighted the importance of consistent communication from Republic Services, noting that while the company is working hard to address issues, there have been significant gaps in informing the public about collection delays. The council member emphasized that residents often do not know whether to leave their garbage cans out or bring them in when collections are missed, leading to confusion and frustration.

To address these concerns, the council has urged Republic Services to enhance their communication efforts. They have implemented a system called "Call them All," which notifies residents if their neighborhood's collection has been skipped. Residents are encouraged to register their contact information on the Summit County website to receive timely updates about waste and recycling services.

The council member also reported that some residents have experienced delays in service for weeks, but there have been improvements, with some areas, like Park Avenue in Old Town, recently receiving collection. The council is working closely with local public works departments to ensure roads are cleared and services are coordinated, especially during busy periods like the Sundance Film Festival.

Looking ahead, the council will consider a conditional use permit appeal for a distillery project at their next meeting on February 1, which has garnered significant public interest. The council concluded the meeting by thanking residents for their patience as they work to resolve the ongoing waste collection issues.