PARIS, TEXAS – CARDS Director of Governmental Affairs Jason Fitzgerald updated the Paris City Council on the commercial trash service transition status on Monday, Sept 23. The report was part of the regular fourth Monday City Council meeting. CARDS officially became the franchise commercial trash service company in Paris on Sept. 1.
Fitzgerald shared that the number of business accounts was larger than anticipated. CARDS anticipated about 700 commercial accounts in Paris but is currently working with 890 accounts and 909 containers delivered to date. During the transition, CARDS worked to accommodate businesses whose previous containers were removed before the end of August when CARDS became the franchise commercial trash provider in the city on Sept.1. CARDS is continuing to assist commercial customers with service day and frequency changes.
Regarding questions from several commercial customers, Fitzgerald explained their billing process. In addition to the monthly trash service fee, CARDS also collects a Street Usage Fee on each bill. The Street Use Fee is currently listed on invoices as a Fuel Surcharge. To name the charge accurately, CARDS is working with their software supplier to change it to Street Usage Fee on future bills. CARDS pays the Street Usage Fee to the City of Paris. The city uses the funds for street maintenance because of wear and tear caused to city streets by trash trucks.
Fitzgerald also addressed some confusion experienced by commercial customers regarding their first invoice. CARDS bills commercial accounts one month in advance, and the first invoice will include two months of service. Future invoices will only include one month of billing.
“I think things could have obviously gone smoother,” Mayor Mihir Pankaj said, but recognized the complexity of the process. Pankaj requested that a CARDS representative make contact, in person as much as possible, with each commercial trash customer as an introduction and to supply them with CARDS contact information. The Mayor also asked for weekly reporting with the city and council on residential trash collection and any complications as they occur.
If you have questions about CARDS residential or commercial service, please call 877-592-2737 or email CityofParis@CARDSrecycling.com. ParisTexas.gov/trashpickup includes extensive information about trash service in the City of Paris.
