Republic to resume bulk trash pickup in Vermilion

VERMILION — Bulk trash and lawn waste will be picked up again the first week of May, after city officials fought contract terms with Republic Services. Vermilion residents used industrial-size trash bins this week to purge their larger items, but city officials weren't happy about it. The city contracts with Republic for its trash services, but when the virus quarantine went into effect, Republic suspended its monthly bulk pick-up days in municipalities countywide. "Republic said they don't want their guys picking up items with the virus on it and breathing it in," said Mayor Jim Forthofer. A clause in the city's contract includes suspension of service for "acts of God, war and a government order," he said. Gov. Mike DeWine ordered "non-essential" businesses to close in recent weeks to limit infection rates for COVID-19, but left wide interpretations of "essential" business. Bulk pick-up should have happened the first week of the month, but instead Republic brought in two 30-yard trash bins at two sites in the city for a few days. That measure wasn't good enough for Forthofer. "What about the little old ladies having to take their garbage over there and lift it above their heads to put it in?," he said. "I told them I want our service reinstated. Last year when it was 7 degrees below zero, I supported them canceling it. I mean, it's not worth someone losing their fingers. But this is different. To my knowledge, garbage collectors don't come into contact with people. And if our city workers have to lift items, then what's the difference?" Republic, however, didn't budge until late Friday, just before the end of the business day and the Dumpsters would be removed. The fight with Republic was fought in several cities across the county, and Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley sent Browning Ferris Industries, a division of Republic, a letter stating the suspension was in violation of its contract. Avon's mayor asked for the same consideration, and Avon Lake's mayor also requested its trash provider, Kimble Recycling & Waste Disposal, for the same. Republic also told the city it would not issues refunds to the city, which in turn could not refund residents, Forthofer said. Residents pay $20.23 monthly, and seniors receive a monthly $1.50 discount.The next bulk pick-up will be May 6. Weekly yard waste collection will resume April 22. Contact Rini Jeffers at rinijeffers@gmail.com.