Blue Bins Debut in White Lake

For weeks, huge blue garbage cans have been showing up on the driveways of houses across White Lake.

And since they didn't order them, residents want to know what's up with the 95-gallon bins. They've been seeking answers through tweets, calls to the township and comments on Facebook.

"The questions range from which side of the street to place the cans, to comments about not liking the color of the trash bins," Dena Potter, administrative assistant for the township, said.

The garbage cans were delivered free to residents of single-family homes as part of a new contract with Allied Waste/Republic. These new bins will allow Allied Waste/Republic to use new automated trucks that pick up the bin and dump them into the hauler without the worker having to get out of the vehicle.

Officials said they are for trash only and not recycling. All bins should be placed at the end of your driveway on your normal trash pick-up day.

"We are still ironing out all the issues, there will likely be changes in a few months," Potter said.

People living in mobile home parks will not get the bins because mobile home parks within the township are not included in the trash special assessment district. The managers of those parks are responsible for providing trash services.

Residents who have physical limitations and cannot use the large bin can request a smaller one however, Potter said, "Simply wanting a smaller bin is not an option. You have to use the bins you are provided unless you can prove a hardship."

If you haven't received a bin yet, and are a homeowner within White Lake Township, you should receive one by the end of February.

For more information on the bins, or to ask a question call Allied Waste/Republic at (800) 858-0089.