Trash service changes again in Mt. Washington as Rumpke returns with increased monthly rate

MT. WASHINGTON, Ky. (WDRB) — Residents in Mt. Washington will soon see another change in their garbage collection service as Rumpke Waste and Recycling returns to the city under a new contract that comes with higher monthly costs.

Homeowners learned of the change when new garbage and recycling bins appeared in many driveways Monday.

"They went up and down the road putting the wheels on them and set them out in the front with a little note," said Marvin Riley, who has lived in town for nearly three decades.

Residents were surprised to see the trash pickup service changing once again.

"Not happy about that because I didn't see anything wrong with the previous company," said Terri Curtsinger, who uses the city service.

The switch marks the third waste collection provider to serve Mt. Washington in the past few years. Rumpke handled trash and recycling services in the city until its contract expired in June 2024. Green River Waste then won the city's bid for service. That company was later acquired by Republic Services this past September, which assumed operations.

With the current contract expiring, the city sought new bids. Republic Services submitted paperwork indicating it wouldn't bid on a new contract. Rumpke was selected after it was the only company to submit a proposal.

"We hate that we're having to go through the change again and we put it out to bid as something that's required," Mayor Stuart Owen said Tuesday. "We try to get the best price for everyone that we can."

Starting July 1, Rumpke will take over trash and recycling operations. Each home is receiving a 95-gallon cart for $20.50 per month and a 65-gallon recycling cart for $11.70 per month. The cost is reflected in residents' water bill.

The new trash and recycling services will result in a price hike of $8.36 more per month for customers in the city.

Residents can't opt out of recycling.

"It is part of the garbage contract," Councilman Layne Abell said. "Years back, I think Mt. Washington kind of wanted to be proactive in recycling and protecting the environment and things like that, so I think it's good for the city. Now, again, I hate the cost."

City leaders said Rumpke is still dropping off new bins, though most have received theirs. They said the old bins will be collected by Republic following the final trash pickup.

Rumpke is aiming to keep trash and recycling pickup days the same and said it will provide a second trash bin free of charge upon request.

While the city was limited to just one bid on the trash collection contract, many residents are frustrated that the transition is another adjustment they're forced to accept.

"We don't really have a choice," Curtsinger said. "They don't ask us for permission."