SPRINGFIELD — The Effingham County Board of Commissioners has taken a step toward tidying up its residential trash collection contract.

During its Nov. 7 meeting, the board approved a five-year pact with Atlantic Waste Services of Pooler. Atlantic will take over for Republic Services on Feb. 19, 2018.

The board gave Republic Services notice in August that it was terminating its 20-year arrangement as the county’s trash and recycling collector in 180 days. The move was prompted by a series of complaints that included skipped pick-ups and faulty equipment.

Atlantic Waste is purchasing seven new trucks as a result of its new deal with Effingham County.

“It is going to be improved service with the two-man trucks,” County Administrator Steve Davis said. “The routes were are going to try is basically by commission districts — as best as possible. On every other collection, we will do the recycle.”

See the Nov. 15 edtion of the Effingham Herald for more details.