Waste Pro makes smaller trash receptacle available
A smaller trash container is now available for citizens who feel the 96-gallon can from Waste Pro is too big and unwieldy. The new container comes with a refundable price tag of $85.
City Council approved the decision Monday night with a 5 -3 vote, with Mayor John Sullivan and Councilmembers Erick Kuehn and Chris Chulakes-Leetz disagreeing.
Roughly 500 citizens are expected to take advantage of the new containers, after the large receptacle proved too much for reasons including storage and maneuverability.
The new container, at 65 gallons, is the same size as the recycle container, and will be brown in color.
Councilmember Kevin McGrail said this is something citizens have been asking for “for a long time.”
“I think the $85 charge is very reasonable,” he added. “To me it’s not excessive — it’s a one-time fee.”
Residents will not be charged to switch out their old containers for the new, but residents “continually” swapping out their containers will be charged a non-refundable $35 fee, according to McGrail.
Councilmember Chris Chulakes-Leetz said a lot of “misinformation” was involved when the city originally signed the contract with Waste Pro to make it Cape Coral’s new waste management company.
Waste Pro officials showed up that day with three separate can sizes, which gave the impression the smallest can would also be available, according to Councilmember Pete Brandt.
“It led people to believe it was going to be an option and those of us that voted on it that evening were led to believe it would be an option,” Brandt said.
Waste Pro Vice President Keith Banasiak said the smallest containers offered by the company are utilized “solely” for people with medical needs.
Brad Avery from Waste Pro said the $85 is necessary as a way to keep the new containers “more a need than a want.”
“There’s a way of controlling it,” Avery said.
Waste Pro will be managing the new deposits and containers.
For additional information or to request a new container, call Waste Pro officials at Cape Coral City Hall at 945-0800.