By BRIANA HARRIS / Staff Writer

PELHAM – Recycling services in the city of Pelham have been temporarily suspended, according to a news release from Mayor Gary Waters on Wednesday, Dec. 14.

Garbage services provider, Trash Taxi, has been servicing the city without a contract since Nov. 1. Because of Trash Taxi’s “inability to continue providing recycling services without a contract, the city has elected to suspend recycling services” until Advanced Disposal’s contract begins on Feb. 1, 2017.

“We recognize the importance of recycling and look forward to providing the service with Advanced Disposal,” the news release stated. “Appropriate adjustments to garbage fees will be made as we move forward. We ask for your understanding and support as we work through this transition period to get Advanced Disposal up and running.”

Advanced Disposal was awarded the city’s three-year garbage contract bid at a City Council meeting on Monday, Dec. 5.

Advanced Disposal placed a bid of $12.40 per month for weekly R1 pickup, which consists of one residential garbage and one residential recycling pickup. About 8,500 Pelham residents fall into the R1 category, which is the biggest concern for the city.

With the new garbage service comes a higher fee for residents. Customers in the R1 category currently pay $9.81 monthly for garbage and recycling services, but that price will increase once Advanced Disposal’s contract begins. It will be an increase of $2.59 per month.