The Solid Waste Department has temporarily suspended collection of yard and bulk waste due to a severe staffing shortage caused by COVID-19. This also includes special collections, commercial pickup, and government offices collection. Employees have come into contact with people that tested positive for COVID-19. In order to protect the health of our employees, these employees are currently not at work, meaning the department is unable to staff a collection crew.

Collections ceased on Tuesday, July 14, and the Emergency Management Agency is in the process of contacting private collection services approved for contracting in an emergency situation to run the routes. Once private crews have been assigned to the routes and employees return to work, special collection fees for larger piles of yard waste will be waived.

“This is a very challenging time for our entire community as we try to provide services while protecting the health of our employees and their families,” says County Manager Dr. Keith Moffett. “As we modify our services to meet public health recommendations, we ask for people’s patience and understanding. Just as this virus has impacted their lives in different ways, so has it impacted the lives of our crews and our services.”

If a person has a pile of yard waste that was not collected last week or during this time, please report it using SeeClickFix online (www.maconbibb.us/seeclickfix) or the free mobile app, or by calling the Solid Waste Department at 478-803-0499. This will provide the department a list of piles that need to be collected. 

“We hate that we have to take these measures, but I know people will understand that our crews’ health is very important to us,” says Solid Waste Director Pat Raines. “We’re working hard now to find a way to get the debris collected while we make sure people are healthy.”

While this cessation of services was not planned, Macon-Bibb County has taken multiple steps to modify its services and access – and asked the public to take steps – to protect the health of the entire community. This includes:

• Masks are strongly encouraged for employees and citizens for entry into County buildings

• Government buildings are closed to public walk-ins, and all meetings should be held by appointment;

• Outdoor work crews will be limited to the smallest number of people and masks should be worn during shifts;

• Park pavilions, sports fields, basketball courts, and playgrounds will be closed;

• Reservations for facilities will be cancelled on a month-by-month basis beginning July 26;

• Open spaces – including trails and parks – will remain open since people can be socially distant;

• Departments and offices will implement telework and staggered schedules;

• Plexiglass barriers being installed at desks for people that interact with the public;

• Ending the issuance of new Special Event permits;

• Employees traveling home from areas with severe outbreaks will stay home; and

• Increasing cleaning of public park bathrooms.

For the general public as they conduct necessary business, people are urged to also follow the CDC guidelines, including:

• Wearing a cloth face covering over your nose and mouth, when practical;

• Monitor your health daily and get tested if you show symptoms or believe you’ve come in contact with someone who has tested positive;

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;

• Avoid close contact with people, meaning at least six feet away;

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and

• Clean and disinfect surfaces.