Brookhaven aldermen have adopted new rubbish and trash pick upguidelines in an effort to clear up apparent misunderstandingsamong citizens about what is garbage and what is trash.

“There’s so much confusion in people’s minds,” said Ward FourAlderman Bob Massengill.

The guidelines declare that leaves, grass and limbs should beplaced in one pile for the once a week trash pick up. Other items,such as paper, cans, and cardboard boxes, should be put in aseparate pile for pick up as garbage during the twice weeklyservice by a private company.

“It’s a little trouble, but it’ll work so much better for us,”Massengill said.

The alderman also said the guidelines are a way to continuetrash service without having to raise rates or citizens having tobags leaves and limbs. The board earlier moved to increase the $12a month fee by $1.50, but ultimately delayed that action to see howa solid waste department reorganization would work.

Another factor in the board’s move to enact new trash guidelineswas diminishing space at the city’s rubbish fill.

Two sites are maintained at the rubbish fill. Rubbish 1, wheremixed trash items are placed, is estimated to have only six monthsof life left in it. Rubbish 2 is for only leaves and limbs.

Massengill said citizens’ assistance would extend the life ofthe rubbish fill.

“If they’ll cooperate with us, we can put it in Rubbish 2 wherewe’ve got plenty of room,” the alderman said.

Following a brief discussion during a special meeting Tuesdayevening, aldermen voted to adopt the new rubbish guidelines. Theyalso approved sending a copy of the guidelines to customers alongwith their monthly water bills.

“They can’t say, ‘I don’t know,'” said Ward Five Alderman TomSmith.

The new guidelines take effect May 1.