See if You Qualify for the Elderly/Low-Income Discount Program

Jan. 1, 2020, marked the beginning of Buncombe County’s new residential waste and recycling collection contract with Waste Pro. Following that, Commissioners heard feedback around several concerns from area subscribers. In order to better help those seniors in our community who are unable to take their cart to the collection point due to an infirmity or difficult driveway the County has launched the Elderly/Low-Income Discount Program. Starting on Jan. 1, 2020, if you are 65 years of age or older, make below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, or are a recipient of a federal public assistance program, and are unable to take your cart to your pick-up location due to an infirmity, difficult driveway, topography, etc., you may call Buncombe County Solid Waste at (828) 250-5460 to find out if you might qualify.

Elderly/Low-Income Discount Program

This program is limited to 700 eligible subscribers and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Elderly/Low-Income Discount Program is a service provided to low-income, elderly individuals who are unable to obtain a doctor’s note to receive free premium service from Waste Pro. Applicants accepted into the program will receive premium service from Waste Pro at no additional cost to their monthly service fee. Applicants must be (1) 65 years of age or older, (2) be below 150 percent of the federal poverty level OR be a recipient of a federal public assistance program, and (3) be unable to take their cart to the pick-up location due to an infirmity, a difficult driveway, topography, etc., to qualify.  Applicants accepted into the program remain responsible for the monthly service fee. This program is subject to appropriation through Buncombe County’s annual budget process. Waste Pro must also be the current waste collection provider. Qualification for the program will be reviewed periodically. Should an applicant become non-compliant, the discount may be discontinued.

Here’s What You Need to Know

When can I apply for this program?

After Jan. 1, 2020.

How do I apply?

There are a couple of ways to apply. Download the application, pick one up from several area locations, or call Buncombe County Solid Waste at (828) 250-5460 and send your application to:

Buncombe County Solid Waste

Attn: Heather Blalock

81 Panther Branch Road

Alexander, NC 28701

Where can I find an application?

Download the application below or pick one up at:

• Buncombe County Landfill
• Buncombe County Transfer Station
• Waste Pro’s Arden Location
• Buncombe County Libraries*
• Register of Deeds
• Buncombe County Health & Human Services

* Except for East Asheville Library, which is closed for construction.

Do I have to be a Waste Pro customer to receive this service?

Yes, you must be a current Waste Pro subscriber.

What will my rate be?

The discount program will offer an upgrade to free premium service. The customer will still be responsible for the base subscription rate of $22.55/month.

How do I know if I qualify for this program?

You must be be (1) 65 years of age or older, (2) be below 150 percent of the federal poverty level OR be a recipient of a federal public assistance program, and (3) be unable to take your cart to the pick-up location due to an infirmity, a difficult driveway, topography, etc., to qualify.

When will I know I’m approved for this program?

You will receive notification from Buncombe County regarding acceptance into the program.

Waste Pro billed me the full price anyway even though I have been approved for this program, who can I call?

Call Waste Pro at (828) 585-5074 for billing questions.

I have been approved for the program, but my trash was not collected at the agreed upon pick-up point, who can I call?

Call Waste Pro at (828) 585-5074 for collection issues.

It took longer than expected to be approved for this program, will it be retroactive to January 1?

Yes

I stopped paying my bill or discontinued my service because the price was too high, but then I found out about this program. Is there a grace period in which I can retroactively apply for this program and receive the discounted price?

Once the account is closed with Waste Pro, it can be reopened if there is no past due amount. As long as there is availability then you can apply for the program.

What if I’m a renter and my landlord pays for waste collection?

You may still apply for the program, but you will need to provide information that the landlord handles the base services.

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