Jim Cooke was surprised when, less than a week before Christmas, he received notice of a new garbage policy that would change his pickup location. Instead of placing his cans in the back alleyway, he would have to put them out front on Park Drive beginning Jan. 1.

“Why does garbage service get to change their terms partway through?” Cooke said.

Cooke isn't the only one impacted by the new policy. Republic Services/Coeur d’Alene Garbage confirmed Friday that 85 households will have to adapt.

Roman Blahoski with Republic Services, who is under contract to handle the city's garbage pickup, said safety concerns prompted the change.

"We are ending alley service in Coeur d’Alene for customers with alleys that require us to back up our collection trucks onto active streets and sidewalks," Blahoski said. "That includes alleys that do not go all the way through to another street or have T-turns that our trucks are unable to navigate."

Cooke said he's lived in the neighborhood for decades and often helps others with things like putting their garbage cans in the alley for pickup.

"Half of the houses don’t have driveways (to roll their cans out to the street), but it's not a problem for me," he said. "But for those who don't, this could be a sign for them, like, 'Maybe I can't live here anymore.'" 

Mary Gray is a 77-year-old resident in the neighborhood. She uses a cane or a walker for mobility, and on slushy or icy days, the trek from the alley where she keeps garbage to out front for pickup could be challenging. 

“I can’t do this. I can’t drag recycling and the garbage," Gray said. "It’s a safety concern for everyone who would have to make that trip. We’re not trying to be whiny, but it’s important."  

Residents affected by the policy change have reached out to City Councilor and Mayor-elect Dan Gookin. He's acknowledged their concerns and has set up a meeting with the city administrator, attorney, and Republic Services.

“My plan is to discuss the level of service they offer, why it's changed and hopefully to restore their original performance. That's my goal,” Gookin said. 

    Jim Cooke received this message Dec. 19 about a change in garbage service on Park Drive that will impact many of his older neighbors with mobility issues beginning Jan. 1.
  

    Mary Gray indicates the new area where garbage is required to be placed along Park Drive beginning Jan. 1.