The City of Knoxville wants to remind citizens that a change is coming for approximately 25% of the City's garbage customers. The change was announced in April for households that do not take their garbage to the curb every week. Starting October, the City will no longer provide this backdoor service at no charge - except for those with a medical need or those who are over the age of 75.

Applications for backdoor service require either proof of age over 75, or for a doctor to complete the form verifying the medical need, and are available by calling 311. Applications must be turned in to the City by the September 1 deadline to have no interruption in service.

The City pays extra for backdoor service each month. This change not only makes good business sense for the City, but will eliminate the long-standing service inequity where a small percentage of our customers receive an extra service paid for by all citizens. This change is a part of an overall solid waste management plan to modernize and create more efficient services for the City.

A letter was mailed in May to backdoor customers, and the City has heard back from approximately 5,000 of the 14,500 total households. This week, door hangers will be left on garbage containers or door knobs as a reminder for these households of the change.

"We want to encourage citizens that meet the medical need or age requirements to be sure to get their application completed and turned back in to the City," says David Brace, deputy director for public service. "It is our responsibility as a City to provide this service for those who have a specific need and we need their help identifying that need."

The City's garbage contractor Waste Connections is offering a subscription to backdoor service for $8.75 per month for those who receive City garbage pick-up.

The City's new curbside recycling program at no additional charge will also start the first of October 2011. This service will only be available curb-side unless there is a completed application on file for backdoor service. Sunday, August 14 is the deadline to sign-up to be included in the first round of recycling cart deliveries. So far, nearly 16,400 households have registered for the new service which will be offered to the first 20,000 to sign-up. Dates have not yet been determined for the second round of cart deliveries.