Many residents of unincorporated parts of Butte County are getting used to a new routine on trash day, if not a new trash day altogether. Plans to divide up the county into three separate areas and grant exclusive fiefdoms to the different companies that used to compete took effect this week.
Meant to reduce wear and tear on roads and ease the cacophony of growling diesels as rival firms ply the same streets, the plan gives each firm monopoly rights in specific areas. Many customers are adjusting not just to new garbage truck logos and billing addresses, but also to new pick-up times and days. Trash haulers sent mailers notifying those impacted. Most customers may notice marginal changes to how much they pay, but county officials maintain any change will be minor.
An interactive map showing which firm will service what areas is available on line at RecycleButte.net.
A similar plan to adopt exclusive service areas for trash haulers within the city of Chico is currently on hold.