Mableton holds public hearing on proposed solid waste ordinance as small haulers, residents raise concerns

Mableton — The Mableton City Council held a public hearing Jan. 7 on a proposed ordinance to create Chapter 12 of the City of Mableton Code of Ordinances, establishing procedures for the collection, disposal and recycling of solid waste. Council members heard roughly a dozen public commenters — including owners of small local haulers and representatives of the Cobb County Haulers Association — who warned some requirements and fees would force neighborhood-scale businesses to stop operating within city limits.

The hearing drew repeated objections to proposed information and fee requirements that commenters described as onerous for small operators. Brian Warren, president of the Cobb County Haulers Association and owner of Custom Disposal Service, told the council he could work with staff to “massage” the draft but warned about reporting and auditing requirements and the cost burden on smaller firms. Jeff Franklin, owner-operator of Quality Sanitation, said his company is a one-owner, family-run service that could be regulated out of existence by bond, licensing and reporting costs and asked the council to avoid measures that would force seniors and the disabled to lose door‑to‑door service.

Why it matters: Solid-waste contracting affects pricing, service options and whether longtime neighborhood haulers can continue…