ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A change is coming to trash pickup in Buncombe County, and customers need to sign up for service in the next few weeks to avoid a disruption.

FCC Environmental Services will soon replace Waste Pro as the hauler for residential garbage and recycling collection in unincorporated areas of Buncombe County.

Although the change happens Jan. 1, 2025, Waste Pro customers need to sign up with FCC Environmental Services before the end of October. Customers should not experience any disruption in services as long as they sign up before then, according to the county’s website.

Earlier this year, Buncombe County commissioners opted to go with FCC Environmental Services to provide residential countywide garbage and recycling services.

Basic service:

  • 1x weekly trash collection
  • 2 free “Bag Tags” for each participating resident at the commencement of the contract
  • Extra bags of garbage next to your cart ($3 +tax per bag)
  • Options for additional bags and carts
  • Every other week recycling collection
  • On-call bulk collection

Premium service

  • Drive-up service for participating residents

Collection guidelines

  • On your scheduled collection day, place carts at the edge of the alley or curb by 6 a.m. with the openings facing the street.
  • All materials must fit inside the carts, with the lids closed.
  • Leave 2 feet of space between the carts and other objects such as trees, fences, garages, and snow piles.
  • Remove carts from the curb within 24 hours after your collection day.
  • If you have a premium collection, make sure house numbers are posted and visible on your garage or the back of your house.
  • All household garbage must be bagged and tied.
  • Do not put needles, hazardous waste, yard waste or electronic waste in your cart.
  • Put extra bags of garbage next to your cart ($3 +tax per bag).
  • If you have cardboard, you can flatten it and place next to your recycling for collection. This will be limited to one (1) 50-pound cardboard bundle per week. If you need collection of larger cardboard piles, contact FCC.
  • Items to be recycled shall include corrugated cardboard bundled no larger than thirty (30) square inches (30 inches by 30 inches) and not exceeding fifty (50) pounds.

Damaged carts

Garbage and recycling carts are the property of the county. Do not paint or alter carts. FCC will maintain the carts through the contract.

Contact FCC to report a damaged cart — 828-820-7022 or buncombe@fccenvironmental.com

Holidays

Your regular recycling and garbage collection will be delayed one day if it falls on or after the following holidays:

  • Memorial Day
  • 4th of July
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year’s Day

Billing

Bills are sent for three-month service periods (quarterly). FCC will send quarterly bills by the 5th of the first month of each quarter — January, April, July and October.

Payments are due to FCC by the 25th of the billing month — January, April, July and October.

Late fees of 5 percent are added to unpaid balances at the end of each month of the billing cycle for any outstanding accounts.

Costs

  • Basic service: $28.65/month
  • Premium service:  $59/month
  • Bulky pickup service and disposal* (per item): $25
  • Bear carts (purchase): $320
  • Bear carts (monthly lease): $10/month
  • Additional cart with service (monthly lease): $12/month
  • Disability program: $28.65/month
  • Low-income program: 15% off basic service/month
  • Additional Bag Service (per bag): $3

Customers will begin getting the new cans at the end of November and into December, county officials said. Waste Pro will collect its cans, but community members may see some overlap between can dissemination from FCC and collection by Waste Pro, officials said.

More information and a registration form can be found on the FCC website or by calling 828-820-7022.