A Macon-Bibb County resident has been without a trash can for over two weeks now. Johnny Jeter says his trash can was stolen and it is taking a long time to replace it.
His story is not uncommon.
That’s because Macon-Bibb County is experiencing a shortage of trash cans, so people have to do without in the meantime.
Residents who have had their cans stolen or are in need of replacement have to call the Solid Waste Department and make a request for new bins.
Currently, there are around 2,000 requests, and Macon-Bibb is looking to get in a new shipment of over 6,000 bins in the next few months.
Kevin Barkley, director of the Macon-Bibb County Solid Waste Department, said the order for more trash bins is a budgeted item for the new fiscal year.
Commissioners have to approve the item for funding before any trash cans can be ordered.
The order of around 5,000 bins will cost around $300,000.
“We made sure we make part of our efficient and effective government, and part of the strategic plan, that we provide the containers to the residents and we have a replacement in place for residents,” Barkley said.
Barkley said the last shipment of bins was back in the spring of this year, but new ones are coming soon. In the meantime, he said, people should make do with what they have.