Athens sanitation superintendent outlines services, staffing and disabled-resident pickup

Terrence Brown, superintendent of the City of Athens Sanitation Department, told meeting attendees that the department employs about 20 people and provides household, commercial and yard waste removal, and other materials pickup. "We're helping make the world a better place, 1 garbage can at a time," Brown said.

Brown described a disabled-resident assistance policy: if residents leave their trash can in sight, drivers "will get out and go dump the can and bring it back to their house," he said. He also described typical working conditions: sanitation workers often clean up after events in hot weather and he said the staff "are out working hard. They're hot." Brown emphasized unity within the department and said that its "ultimate goal is try to make it a cleaner place as well."

The remarks were made as a statement from the sanitation superintendent; the transcript includes no motions, votes or formal actions tied to these remarks. No follow-up assignments or budget details were specified during the comments.

Brown said the department currently has about 20 employees and characterized his staff as "outstanding." He framed the work as both a public service and a teamwork effort, saying, "Helping others. It's just what we do."