FAQ
1. Why did Fiscal Court adopt a new franchise agreement with Red River?
Answer: The previous contract was for four years and reached the end of its term.
2. Was Red River the only company to submit a proposal for the new franchise?
Answer: No. Four companies requested the request for proposal, but only Santek Waste Services of Kentucky and Red River Waste Solutions submitted proposals.
3. Why was Red River’s proposal accepted?
Answer: Red River was the best evaluated proposal and further negotiations produced a very sound, long-term contract (8 years) to contain costs for taxpayers. Red River’s initial proposal increased the monthly rate $1.98 per month. Santek’s proposal raised the monthly rate $9.23 per month with a minimum $50.00 charge for monthly bulk pick-up. Further negotiations with Red River resulted in decreasing the monthly rate increase to $.78 per month for a total rate of $19.95 per month. Furthermore, Red River included an expansion of the recycling program, the cost of two trash carts (the 2nd cart is upon request) in the monthly price and monthly bulk pick-up service at no additional cost.
4. Will I have to use Red River’s carts?
Answer: Yes. More than 30% of current customers rent carts from Red River, which currently cost $2.00 for the first cart and $6.00 for the second cart. These customers will see a monthly decrease of at least $1.22 per month. Up to two carts are now included in the monthly fee (the 2nd cart is upon request). It’s necessary to move to a cart based system to contain costs. Each cart will have a special identifier enabling it to be connected to each account, improving billing accuracy and efficiencies. Furthermore, this ensures every cart will work with Red River’s lift system reducing the time at each stop and employee injuries.
5. When will I receive my new cart(s)?
Answer: Cart delivery will begin on or about 10 July. Your first cart should be delivered by 10 August. Any additional cart(s) can be requested after 10 August.
6. What happens if I do not receive my carts?
Answer: The initial carts will be delivered to customers who currently rent carts. This is by design to ensure and improve billing accuracy. If you do not receive a cart, contact Hardin Billing Service via www.hardinbillingservice.net or (270) 600-0155.
7. Can I request more carts?
Answer: Additional carts – beyond the two (2) provided – may be rented from Red River at a cost of $6.00 each. Please wait to request additional carts until the initial carts are delivered; target completion is 10 August. This gives Red River time to deliver all the initial carts. You may request additional carts through Hardin Billing Services via www.hardinbillingservice.com or (270) 600-0155.
8. Can I use my personal carts until I receive the number of carts I need?
Answer: You may use your personal carts until 1 September. From 1 September forward, only Red River carts will be utilized.
9. What should I do with carts I personally purchased?
Answer: If you wish to dispose of your carts, you may use your monthly bulk pick-up option. If you use this option, the cart must be marked for disposal (large X or please destroy sign). Otherwise, you may repurpose them or sell them to a resident in another city or county who is not required to use their hauler’s carts.
10. What time will Red River collect my trash on my scheduled day?
Answer: Red River will not begin collecting prior to 6:00 AM. It is highly recommended you place your cart curbside the night before or by 6:00 AM the morning of your collection day.
11. Can I place bags on the ground if my carts are full?
Answer: No. Items placed on the ground will not be picked-up. All items must be in a cart unless you’re utilizing the bulk pick-up option. All items must be bagged, tied and placed inside the cart. This is to contain costs by reducing the time at each stop and employee injuries.
12. What should I do if I have a large item that will not fit into the cart?
Answer: You have the option of one (1) bulk pick-up per month for up to three (3) items. Bulk pick-ups must be scheduled in advance by emailing Red River at hardin@rrws.com or by calling (270) 769-0211
13. Are there restrictions on what I can place in the carts?
Answer: Yes. The following items will not be accepted:
- Human, medical or otherwise hazardous waste
- Liquid waste
- Tires
- Construction & demolition waste
- Dead animals
- Burning or smoldering materials or materials that will create a fire hazard
- Batteries
- Non-residential solid waste
14. Will Red River accept yard waste?
Answer: Yes. Residents are allowed to place 3 bags of grass clippings, shrub trimmings and leaves in disposable solid waste bags not exceeding fifty (50) pounds each. Tree branches must be bundled under three (3) feet in length and not exceed fifty (50) pounds each.
15. Is Red River taking over the recycling program?
Answer: As part of the new contract, Red River will be responsible for executing Hardin County’s recycling program. The program atrophied to one (1) recycling drop-point at Farmer’s Market on Peterson Drive in Elizabethtown due to costs that county government could not sustain. As a result, the program will expand to nine (9) drop points in Hardin County.
16. Where will the new recycling drop points be located?
Answer: The anticipated launch date for the new drop points is anticipated to be 1 August. THIS HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. This is dependent upon factors outside our control. The exact locations of the drop points will be announced soon, but they will be located in the following cities or towns:
- Big Clifty
- Elizabethtown (2 locations)
- Glendale
- Radcliff
- Rineyville
- Sonora
- Vine Grove
17. Why can’t the trailers be open? Is this because of the pandemic?
Answer: Yes, the reason the trailers cannot open right now is because of reduced workforce. Our inmate workforce for the recycling facilities has been reduced due to COVID-19. Processing recycled material is very labor intensive, keeping us from reopening at this time. Until the Department of Corrections has made inmate labor available for these programs, we will be closed until further notice.
18. Why can’t Red River pick-up my recycling curbside?
Answer: As part of Red River’s proposal, this option was included; however, the cost was almost $6.00 more per month for each residence regardless of utilization. County officials believe the expanded drop-points versus a mandatory recycling fee is an efficient way to expand recycling options at no additional cost. Hardin County Government has the option to convert to curbside pick-up during the term of this contract if citizen demand is great enough.
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