Many of Oxford’s maintenance and garbage services all fell under the Solid Waste Department.

When discussions came up this summer about getting new uniforms for those working in the solid waste department, Superintendent Amberlynn Liles asked that the entire department have the same uniform and logo.

“But it didn’t really seem to fit with some departments,” she said. “I didn’t want the cemetery crew to have ‘Solid Waste’ on their shirts or those mowing the rights-of-way.”

Mayor Pat Patterson suggested creating a new department name — Environmental Services — and putting all the departments under that department name.

Under the new department name will be solid waste, rubbish collection, recycling, cemetery maintenance, rights-of-way maintenance, the solid waste transfer sites and sanitation.

Liles will also have a new title — Superintendent of Environmental Services.

Some other changes include the new uniforms themselves. Other than now saying, Environmental Services, they will be the neon yellow/green safety shirts.

“We’re going to safety clothing, with high visibility shirts and jackets,” Liles said.

Liles said she hopes the new name will help clear up some confusion.

“So many people would think Solid Waste Department was the sewer department,” she said with a chuckle. “I think this will up the morale and define our department better.