Update 9/7/2017:

Update 9/6/2017:

Developments in MNW Trash and Recycle

Recycle Bins –

RRRT underestimated the time require to distribute the new recycle bins and left about 350 homes without a new bin.  These will be distributed on Thursday morning.  Thus, some of you may need to reuse an old Republic bin if you have one or use some other receptacle that you mark ‘recycle’.   

Service Tomorrow, Thursday –

RRRT will run three trash trucks and two recycle trailers.  They use trailers pulled by pick-ups to collect recycle since it allows faster service than a regular ‘trash’ truck.  How this arrangement will work in our tight cul-de-sacs remains to be seen.  If you live in a cul-de-sac, note how well that goes.  We do not want them driving over the islands in some cul-de-sacs.

RRRT Phone Numbers –

Yes, there was a mess-up on the last two digits of their ‘local’ number.  Their ‘800’ number has always been correct, 866-516-9805.  However, their ‘local’ number, 346-248-5222, was published incorrectly in more than one document.  The incorrect number ended in 12 and not the correct 22.  Their phone system has been very busy, and even the correct number did not guarantee an answer.  One lady there commented, “We have experience significant response from Memorial Northwest”.

Republic Billing and Refunds –

I was told late this afternoon that all refunds should be processed in the 20 September billing cycle and checks sent to anyone who overpaid.  Checks should be received by 30 September.  I would re-emphasize: DO NOT pay any bills from Republic and do not bother to try to cancel your account with them.  Such efforts are fruitless.

Republic Customer Service –

I’m still waiting on word as to when Customer Service will be able to access records indicating they no longer serve MNW.  There are two Customer Service groups locate in other cities and they haven’t a clue what the real status is – they work from a script.  (However, I have notice some MNW residents have been able to get satisfactory service from them.  But frankly, don’t bother talking to them.)

Pep Talk –

Hopefully, that helps.  I think we are making progress, but there is some distance to go.

UPDATE: 

While this sounds similar to a notice circulated a few days ago, it bears repeating.  Many Homeowners received a bill Saturday, Sept. 2, from Republic for service beginning Sept. 1, 2017.  You can just ignore that bill, but if you want to go further you can call them and ‘cancel’ your service.  RRRT will assume our trash and recycle service on Sept. 7, 2017.

Beginning Sept. 1, 2017 the Memorial Northwest trash and recycle service will be provided by Residential Recycling and Refuge of Texas (RRRT). The contract with the current provider, Republic Services, was scheduled to expire on Dec. 31, 2017, and was planned for rebid this autumn. However, Republic Services chose to utilize a provision in the contract and terminate it early. Thus, a new service is required. Bids were obtained from four possible contractors, and, after a period of discussions and rebids, RRRT was chosen to begin service on Sept. 1, 2017.

Homeowners will receive quarterly bills from RRRT beginning in August via USPS in the same manner as from Republic Services; charges will be $15.49/month for trash and $2.90/month for recycle (plus appropriate sales tax on both). Do not pay any inadvertent bills received from Republic for service after Sept. 1, 2017.   Republic Services has assured the MNW HOA Board of Directors that any payments for service past August 31, 2017 will be refunded; discussions on making this as rapid as possible are ongoing with Republic.

RRRT will not be providing any trash carts. However, they will provide the standard 18-gallon recycle bins.

Trash pick will still be on Mondays and Thursdays.

There will be some changes to the service.

• The major change will be to Garage-Door service for both household trash and recycle. Household trash is to be placed in containers or trash bags as currently done, but left at or near your garage door. Recycle is to be placed in the 18-gal. tubs provided by RRRT or a larger recycle container/cart if you have one.
• One thing to remember: RRRT will NOT open any gates to access the trash or recycle containers. Thus, if your garage door is located behind a yard gate, please leave your household trash and recycle outside that gate. This should eliminate any problems with pets escaping.
• Yard clippings and trimmings and other trash items are to be placed at the curb. Trimmings must be bound as usual and less than four feet in length and three inches in diameter.
• Larger items – boxes, chairs, etc. – will be allowed on a ‘reasonable’ basis. If you have something large – such as a sofa – call the RRRT office (1-866-516-9805) and discuss such with them. There may be an extra charge for large items – particularly if a separate truck must be sent. A more complete listing of acceptable trash and recycle items and restrictions will be published on the MNW website (www.mnwhoa.org) soon and in the monthly news magazine. However, there will be few changes for the current system.
• If you have physical restrictions that prevent you from putting your household trash and recycle at the garage door and/or the other items at the curb, call RRRT (1-866-516-9805) and arrange full backdoor pickup; there should be no charge.

It is unfortunate that the initial service will be delayed by the Labor Day holiday until Sept. 7, 2017. This will precipitate a rather large amount of trash on the first day of service; the forbearance of homeowners will be most appreciated as the service begins.

It is reasonable that there will be some hick-ups in the system as service begins. However, RRRT appears to be an efficient, reliable service provider. This has been a rather hard slog after being backed into a corner by Republic; again, the forbearance of homeowners will be greatly appreciated.

Finally, Republic Services will collect their recycle bins with the last pick-up on August 31, 2017. RRRT will provide new bins prior to that time.

Sincerely, Stan Thurber, 1st VP