By Staff
LOWER BILLS – Some Meridian business owners say their garbage collection bills from Waste Management have gotten so high that they've switched to Golden Triangle Waste Services of West Point. About 60 Meridian businesses have made the switch within the last three months. Photo illustration by Paula Merritt/The Meridian Star
By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
July 11, 2002
One local business owner's garbage bill dropped more than $100 after she said she threatened Waste Management to drop its service and join a new trash collection company in Meridian.
But Harriette Carney, who owns Animal Medical Supply in the College Park shopping center in Meridian, said Waste Management wouldn't let her break her contract.
Nevertheless, Carney said she saw her bill drop from $160 to $45 for each of the last two months. Still, Carney said she will change to Golden Triangle Waste Services of West Point in May 2003.
Businesses switch companies
If Carney makes the switch, she would join about 60 other local businesses that already have dropped Waste Management within the past months in favor of Golden Triangle.
Officials at Waste Management did not return phone calls Wednesday and could not be reached for comment.
Golden Triangle Waste Services was created by three county governments near West Point Lowndes, Oktibbeha and Webster counties.
The company has provided residential and commercial garbage pickup in East Mississippi for about five years, including such cities as Columbus, Starkville and Ackerman.
In all, the company collects garbage from more than 50,000 Mississippi homes.
David Long, Golden Triangle's district manager, said the company decided early this year to provide services to Meridian businesses. It does not provide residential pickup in Meridian and Lauderdale County.
The company currently houses its dumpsters at the old Delco Remy plant parking lot in Meridian and transports the trash to a land fill near West Point.
Business owner pleased
Kathrena Ware, who owns The Peanut Gallery on North Hills Street, made the change to Golden Triangle three months ago and she said she has been pleased with the new service.
Both Ware and Carney said they are happy a new company is in town to collect garbage at local businesses.