FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
David L. Manning, Special Principal Associate
Gershman, Brickner & Bratton, Inc.
Federal Receiver
703-573-5800
www.guamsolidwastereceiver.org
Solid Waste Management Division Stops Service to Delinquent Customers
(Guam, September 29, 2010) – Federal Receiver Gershman, Brickner & Bratton, Inc. (GBB) today confirmed that weekly trash collection service is being discontinued for all delinquent customers of the Guam Solid Waste Management Division (SWMD). Customers whose trash collection bills remain unpaid after receiving a call from a customer service representative and written notification are now having their service stopped and their carts collected.
"People who register and receive weekly trash collection service must pay their bill or they will be considered delinquent," said Receiver Representative David L. Manning. "Before discontinuing trash collection service, the SWMD is making, and will continue to make, every effort to notify customers in advance to ensure they are not surprised. Customers will have the opportunity to pay their bill in full so their trash collection service is not interrupted."
Customers whose accounts are delinquent will first be notified with a call from the SWMD followed by a letter. If the customer fails to pay the balance due, service will be stopped and the cart removed from the customer’s premises. Discontinuation of service for delinquent customers and the removal of their carts began on Monday, September 27, 2010, and will continue for all customers with overdue accounts until all accounts are paid or the service is discontinued. If a customer whose service was discontinued wishes to resume service, the customer will have to pay the account in full, plus one month and a $50 fee to have the cart returned and service reinstated. If the account has been turned over to a collection agency, the fee will increase to $100.
The cost of the residential trash collection service is currently $17 per month or about 56 cents per day. The fee is less than the cost of a soda each day. Even when the full rate increase is phased in next year, the cost will remain below $1 per day. These funds pay for the employees who collect the trash, the trucks they use to collect the trash, and the bonds used to build the new Layon Landfill. It is very important that everyone pay their bills to keep the cost low for all customers.
Customers who have questions about their bill can call SWMD customer service representatives between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 646-3111.
As always, customers can pay their solid waste collection bill by the following methods:
- Online Payment via GuamPay Online at www.guampay.com
- Mailing payment to the address shown on the bill, or
- In person at the Treasurer of Guam, Bank of Guam, Bank Pacific, or Citizens Security Bank/AN
About Gershman, Brickner & Bratton, Inc., Receiver
In a Court Order dated March 17, 2008, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Frances M. Tydingco-Gatewood appointed GBB to be Receiver with full responsibility for bringing the Guam Solid Waste Management Division into compliance with the 2004 Consent Decree. As Receiver, GBB’s objective is to work with Guam’s government, the Solid Waste Management Division, solid waste companies, the people of Guam, and the U.S. military to establish a long-term, financially viable and sustainable waste management system for Guam. For more information on the receivership, visit www.guamsolidwastereceiver.org.
GBB is a national solid waste management consulting firm, headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area, that works on solid waste collection, processing, recycling and disposal issues, and assists in planning, procuring, and implementing sound, cost-effective facilities and services at the local, state, and national levels for both the public and private sectors. Since 1980, GBB has planned and developed a wide range of integrated waste management programs that use the latest technologies to improve efficiency, save money, enhance customer service, and protect the environment. For more information on the firm and its products and services, visit www.gbbinc.com or call 1-703-573-5800.
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