Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I find out about available positions in the PSD and how can I apply for jobs? What is the hiring process like? Visit the Employment section of this web site, call Human Resources, view the human resources bulletins posted in individual departments or stop by the Human Resources Department 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday -Thursday.
   
   
2. What's the difference between Garbage and Trash? Garbage is defined as household waste, including material associated with the handling, preparation, cooking and serving of foods, and other organic matter. Garbage includes, but is not limited to, small cardboard containers, cans, paper products, plastics and similar related items. Trash includes four categories which must be placed out in separate piles. These include White Goods, Furniture/Building materials, Yard Waste, and Leaves/Grass Clippings.
   
   
3. I had my trash out on time, but the trash truck did not stop at my house or did not get all the trash? Is your trash sorted into like items? We are unable to pick up mixed loads of trash. If the truck only got part of your trash, there should be another truck coming later. Usually a different truck will come by to pick up the different types of trash so it does not get mixed in the truck. The landfill will not allow us to dump mixed loads.
   
   
4. I am a new wastewater customer – What must I do?
   If wastewater service is being installed in your neighborhood, the District will keep you informed throughout the project, until the project is complete, by mailing project updates and hookup requirements.  You can also visit our website and click Wastewater Projects to view the progress for each project. 

   For new residential customers, you must apply for new service by requesting a Wastewater Sewer Availability Request Form.  Simply complete the form and submit it to us.  A response will be mailed or e-mailed to you within 72 hours.  If you are moving into a house or apartment that already has wastewater service, you need to call our Customer Service Department and get the account put in your name. 

   Commercial Developers should contact the Wastewater Department @ (843) 762-5258 to find out more information regarding installation of a new wastewater system.
   
   
5. What if I have questions about my account and how can I pay my account? Call our Customer Service Department at (843) 795-9060 between 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday -Thursday or stop by our office @ 1739 Signal Point Road on James Island. Payments may be made by enrolling in Automatic Draft, MC/VISA, Cash or Check.
   
   
6. How is my bill calculated? Because it is not cost effective to meter wastewater use, your bill is based on the amount of water that passes through your meter. Wastewater charges are based on either metered "city" water usage provided by Charleston Water Systems (CWS) or by fixture Units established by the Southern Standard Building Code for properties on wells.
   
   
7. What if my wastewater is backed up or overflowing in my house? Within business hours (7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday -Thursday) or call (843) 795-9060 or after hours and weekends call (843) 795-2094.
   
   
8. How do we get on your bidder's list for various services and products? Please mail an introduction letter to the attention of the Deputy Manager/CFO, indicating what type of bid list you would like your company to be placed on, and the services or products you provide and you will be placed on that/those particular bid list(s).
   
   
9. May a vendor see copies of bids prior to award?  A vendor may request copies of the bids after it has been awarded.  Contact our Deputy Manager/CFO @ gladdens@jipsd.org or call (843) 795-9060 and a copy will be mailed to you.
   
   
10. What do I do if I have a wastewater odor in my house? The JIPSD offers free smoke tests to customers to check for leaks in the plumbing system.
    
    
11. What is the number for Palmetto Utility Protection Services (P.U.P.S.) locating service? 1-888-721-7877 from 7:30am to 5:30pm Monday thru Friday.
    
    
12. If wastewater is not available to my property, what should I do? Contact SCDHEC at 202-7020 for information on a septic system.
    
    
13. Do I need to have a new service inspected?  Yes.  After the connection at the tap, the Wastewater Department will need to inspection the connection before it is covered it.  The cost of this service is included in your permit fee.  To schedule an inspection, call the wastewater department @ (843) 762-5258.

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