News 12 at 6 o'clock, March 8, 2010

AUGUSTA---Augusta's solid waste department is recommending changes after property owners trash garbage service

"It's all about them," property owner Linda Lewis said months ago about city officials. "It's not about the citizens that live in this county."

She was upset about trash pickup. The current policy says if water or electricity is running to the home, the owner gets charged. That applies even if it is vacant rental property.

The solid waste department is pushing a new idea. They are considering residential exemptions depending on usage.

Another suggestion is to change service from twice to once a week trash pickup. The plan would feature a discount, standard, and premium service option.

"What we are doing is trying to continuously improve our process," said solid waste director Mark Johnson. "We want to look to try to improve that system."

This is just a recommendation that would go into effect next year.