The Solid Waste Department is having to close the Walker Road Landfill (327 Lower Poplar Street) beginning Monday, August 17, 2010 because of a severe staffing shortage. Crews have been exposed to a person that tested positive, and there are not enough people to safely have the landfill open.

“For anyone that uses the landfill regularly, we know this will be an inconvenience the next few weeks, but I want to thank you for understanding as we take care of our people,” says Solid Waste Director Pat Raines. “This change at the landfill won’t impact our collection of trash, recycling, yard waste, and bulk material.”

For an update listed of modified services and office hours, visit www.maconbibb.us/covid19.

Yard, bulk waste collections continue

Yard and bulk waste collection will continue by both the Solid Waste Department and a company Ceres Environmental was hired to help catch up on a backlog of requests and illegal dump cleanups. If a person has a pile of yard waste that has not been collected in the past few weeks, please report it using SeeClickFix online (www.maconbibb.us/seeclickfix) or the free mobile app, or by calling the Solid Waste Department at 478-803-0499. This will provide the department a list of piles that need to be collected.

Ceres will collect bulk items (like big limbs, appliances, and furniture), while the Solid Waste Department will pick up what it normally collects. For the next several weeks, the special collection fee will be waived, and all piles (except building/construction material and trees) will be collected.

People can expect the Solid Waste Department to collect material on their normal wheel, which can be found by visiting http://sw.maconbibb.us. Ceres Environmental will collect larger piles and bulk waste on opposite weeks from the department.

For an update listed of modified services and office hours, visit www.maconbibb.us/covid19.

Preventative Measures, Operational Changes

Macon-Bibb and public health officials have asked people to follow the CDC guidelines, including:

•Wearing a cloth face covering over your nose and mouth, when practical;

•Monitor your health daily and get tested if you show symptoms or believe you’ve come in contact with someone who has tested positive;

•Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;

•Avoid close contact with people, meaning at least six feet away;

•Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and

•Clean and disinfect surfaces.

While this cessation of services was not planned, Macon-Bibb has taken multiple steps to modify its services and access – and asked the public to take steps – to protect the health of the entire community. This includes:

•Masks are strongly encouraged for employees and citizens for entry into County buildings;

•Government buildings are closed to public walk-ins, and all meetings should be held by appointment;

•Outdoor work crews will be limited to the smallest number of people and masks should be worn during shifts;

•Park pavilions, sports fields, basketball courts, and playgrounds will be closed;

•Reservations for facilities will be cancelled on a month-by-month basis beginning July 26;

•Open spaces – including trails and parks – will remain open since people can be socially distant;

•Departments and offices will implement telework and staggered schedules;

•Plexiglass barriers being installed at desks for people that interact with the public;

•Ending the issuance of new Special Event permits;

•Employees traveling home from areas with severe outbreaks will stay home; and

•Increasing cleaning of public park bathrooms.

For an update listed of modified services and office hours, visit www.maconbibb.us/covid19.