Jackson, MS in Trash Crisis as City Council Rejects Garbage Collection Contract.

The Jackson City Council voted down a one-year contract with Richard's Disposal, leaving the city without a garbage collection service. The city provided dumpsters, but they were found to be overflowing and a health hazard by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. The council also rejected a resolution for a six-month contract with Richard's Disposal and an emergency declaration. The city faces potential fines of up to $25,000 per violation for not meeting MDEQ requirements, which can only be met with curbside trash pickup. The council has a court hearing on Monday to determine their power to negotiate contracts, and Richard's Disposal has filed a lawsuit against the city.