It's A New Era In Detroit: Private Trash Collection Begins

DETROIT (WWJ) - Monday marks the start of a new era in the city of Detroit. It's the start of private trash collection.

While collection days will stay the same, city contractors will be handling duties in neighborhoods in southwest Detroit and east of Woodward Avenue. Privatized pickup will expand to the city's west and northwest sides next month. Bulk items and yard waste will be picked up every other week.

Rizzo and Advance Services are the two companies hired to pick up garbage in Detroit. They'll be paid about $50 million to handle a number of residences.

About two-thirds of Detroit's public works employees were offered jobs by the two contract companies. Privatization of trash pickup frees up city workers to handle illegal dumping, scrapping and other crimes.