Council talks new trash service, cart purchases

TULSA - The Tulsa City Council is again discussing the overhaul of the city's trash service.

A public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday so residents can ask questions about the changes.

"People don"t understand why we're looking at changing a trash system that is widely popular," said G.T. Bynum, District 9 city councilor.  "People don't understand why rates need to go up. They don't understand why we're looking at having carts, standardized carts. They don't understand and frankly I don't understand what's going to be done with leaves and yard waste."

Councilors say they've heard a lot of questions and concerns about the changes and Wednesday's meeting is a chance for Tulsans to learn more.

"You have a group in your city council that doesn't have a final say on the contract but was elected to safeguard the best interest of the citizens and has been studying this issue intently and this provides us an opportunity to share what we've learned with the people," said Bynum.

The trash board, formally known as the TARE Board, already awarded contracts for services like recycling.

Wednesday's meeting takes place at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall.

The council will then vote Thursday on whether the city or the new trash provider will purchase the new trash carts.