MARQUETTE – The Marquette City Commission voted to authorize two ordinances focused on trash pickup in the city of Marquette during its Monday meeting.

The two ordinances were both adopted unanimously and represent the final step in the updating of Marquette’s trash collection policies.

The ordinances update the methods of trash pickup in the city, which currently sees a mix of green bins and stickers which can be placed on bags to designate them for pickup.

The city will now be providing wheeled green trash bins to all city residents.

Members of the commission say that while they think it is the best step forward, some city residents still have concerns.

The ordinances will also change the city’s pickup from overnight to during the day. Residents now must have their cans out by 1 p.m. the day before pickup and must remove their cans from the right-of-way within 12 hours of collection.

“I’ve had a number of people reach out to me over the past couple of weeks and voice their displeasure with this specific idea. I think that what we’re doing here … is catching up with the times,” said Commissioner Paul Scholegel. “We’re being more efficient, we’re trying to do what it takes to give us the best value from our waste haulers.”

When the proposal was voted on in January, the city’s contract with Waste Management, the company responsible for trash collection in the city, was renewed.

Members of the commission acknowledged that a lack of competition played a part in the Waste Management renewal but WM still remains the best option.

“There’s not much out there from a competition standpoint when it comes to who’s picking up our garbage,” said Commissioner Jermey Ottaway. “If a company is willing and able to come and put a bid in in future time, we certainly will listen to it. It’s just not something that’s there right now.”