Lafayette Reporter

Lafayette, LA – Acadiana Waste Services (AWS), the new waste management provider for residents in the city of Lafayette and unincorporated areas of Lafayette Parish, is navigating its second week of operations. Despite encountering some initial challenges, AWS is committed to reliable and efficient services residents expect.

The massive task of delivering more than 74,000 new AWS carts and emptying those each week is no small feat; additionally, AWS is not only focusing on emptying its own carts but is also addressing missed collections and waste that residents put in carts after the previous provider's service ended. AWS acknowledges the common hiccups that can occur when a new garbage collector company steps in. “We’d like to thank residents of Lafayette for their patience during this transition. We are working around the clock to improve service and eliminate the challenges that may have impacted your experience with AWS,” said AWS President Gus Dugas.

The emptying and removing of the blue carts, owned by the former service provider Republic Services, is continuing through Saturday and next week. So far, more than 80,000 out of the estimated 130,000 carts have been removed, marking significant progress in the process of the transition. To expedite removal, both companies will be out in all areas of the city of Lafayette and unincorporated areas of the parish, so leaving blue carts at the road is acceptable. It is important to not put any additional material in the blue carts. Empty blue carts should either be placed upside down or on their side to distinguish between empty and full carts. Friday, November 17, 2023, will be the last day blue carts are removed. Residents with remaining carts will then have to contact Republic Services for removal.

LCG Environmental Quality Manager Bess Foret is in daily contact with AWS and the former waste management provider to facilitate the joint transition efforts. Foret said, “I appreciate everyone’s understanding that this is a major transition period. We continue to focus all of our efforts on getting the old carts off the streets while assisting AWS to manage their routes and collection as contracted.” 

AWS would like to inform all residents who have requested second carts and recycling services after September 15, 2023, that carts will be delivered in the second wave of deliveries. These deliveries will take four to six weeks to complete. Second cart and recycling cart requests should be submitted via the AWS website at https://acadianawaste.com/.

Residents who need carts sooner can pick one up at the AWS office located at 2107 Carmel Drive, Lafayette, LA 70501.

Customers can be assured that all voicemails, phone calls and web requests to AWS have been entered into the system for delivery. Residents are encouraged to report any missed collections directly to AWS at 337-205-7710 or by dialing 311. Through community cooperation and diligent work, AWS is dedicated to making this transition a success for the Lafayette community. 

Original source can be found here.