[11/01/02]Delivery of 10,000 new, 96-gallon garbage containers to Vicksburg residences has been delayed by bad weather but should be completed by Nov. 11, a city official said. New rules and higher bills for collection, however, start today as scheduled.

“All the rain held them back in getting the containers out,” said Tim Smith of the City Clerk’s office.

Smith said residents should continue using any containers they have now, but new rules will still apply.

The city-provided containers for curbside garbage collection are part of the city’s new contract with Waste Management Inc.

Under the terms of the deal, yard waste, including tree limbs and leaves, will be collected along with household waste on the second day of twice-weekly pickups.

“If you don’t have a container yet, just use what you are using now,” Smith said.

Residents do not have to be home to receive the containers, which are identified on their sides by serial numbers associated with addresses. The wheeled containers are similar to those long used by haulers working in Warren County outside Vicksburg.

Effective today, the cost for twice-weekly pickup rises $1.55 to $12.60 per month. Residents pay the fee on their water, gas and sewer bills. Commercial addresses must contract for waste collection separately.

Residents will also be able to get a second container for an additional $5 per month, and people with medical conditions who are unable to roll a container to the curb can arrange for door service.

The first containers are being provided with no separate charge. Damaged containers will have to be replaced by residents at a cost of $38 each.

Large household waste such as furniture or mattresses will also be picked up on the second day of collection.

Smith said a complete brochure explaining the new rules will be included with the delivery of the containers.