COVINGTON, Ga. – The Newton County Solid Waste Management Authority (SWMA) heard a proposal to keep five convenience centers, plus one center to be used exclusively for recycling and yard waste, at its special called meeting Thursday afternoon.

Solid Waste Manager Kevin Walter also briefed members on the proposed fees to use the centers.

The five centers proposed to remain open are Adams Circle, Stone Road, Stewart, Piper Road-36 and Oak Hill. Walter said that these centers were chosen based on geography, giving citizens in all parts of Newton County access to a center close to them.

Walter proposed a hangtag fee of $144 be charged to use the centers. The centers will accept household trash, bulk waste, recyclables and yard waste.

The Bypass convenience center will remain open only for recycling and yard waste. The proposed hangtag fee to use the recycling center only is $24 annually.

Walter also proposed a $15 fee for the first 500 pounds of trash dumped for commercial haulers and private citizens who prefer to bring their trash to the landfill. He discussed making an improved and safer place for citizens to drop their trash when they come to the landfill. Walter also proposed all charges be rounded up to the nearest whole dollar.

The proposed hours of operation for the convenience centers are Tuesday- Saturday, 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Walter said the proposed plan was designed to give citizens options regarding their trash disposal, giving them a choice of the convenience centers, curbside pickup or going to the landfill.

The SWMA also heard suggestions for raising tipping fees for commercial haulers using the landfill, establishing franchise fees and charging less for the hangtags.

No votes were taken on any fees or the convenience center proposal.

The SWMA will hold its regular meeting Thursday, May 18 at 5:30 p.m.