WARREN, Ark. — The inaugural week of GFL Environmental providing residential garbage pickup for the City of Warren is nearing completion, marking a significant transition from city-operated sanitation services to a private provider.
Residents across Warren have likely noticed the company’s large lime green trucks making their way through neighborhoods. On Thursday, a truck was observed running its new route along Bond Street as part of the updated collection schedule.
Unlike the previous system that relied on sanitation workers, GFL’s trucks utilize automated grabber arms. These mechanical arms lift garbage containers from the ground, empty them into the truck, and return the containers to their original position without the need for manual handling.
Throughout this first week, GFL has had assisting supervisory personnel following along behind trucks to monitor operations during the transition. The City of Warren has also had a representative from the Sanitation Department accompanying routes to help oversee the rollout and address any issues that arise.
Warren Mayor Gregg Reep told Saline River News that the week has gone relatively smoothly, noting that some challenges were expected during the transition from city crews to private service.
Additional insight provided to Saline River News by Sanitation Department Manager Rob Johnson indicates the rollout has performed at a high level, with approximately 1,546 pickups completed during the first week and less than 1% resulting in complaints.
“On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the best I would say 9.5,” Johnson said. “I think everything is on track and within two weeks I don’t see any issues other than normal. I have been in the trash business 14 years. Something goes wrong every day.”
Mayor Reep and Johnson added that they want residents to not hesitate in calling the Sanitation Department with any questions or concerns.
City officials are reminding residents of several key guidelines to ensure efficient service:
• Know your designated pickup day. Residents unsure of their schedule should contact the sanitation department at 870-226-5860.
• Only use the brown City of Warren-issued garbage containers.
• Container lids should not be left fully open.
• Remove containers from the roadside after pickup has been completed.
Residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the Warren Sanitation Department for assistance.
