Automated Garbage and Recycling Collection Frequently Asked Questions

Transcription

1 What is automated residential collection service? Automated residential collection service consists of two specially designed 95-gallon roll carts: one is for garbage and one is for recycling. These large roll carts are picked up and emptied by collection vehicles that are equipped with mechanical arms designed to lift the roll carts, empty the contents directly into the collection vehicle, and return them to the ground. Orange County s automated residential collection service began on January 1, Why did we change to automated collection? Orange County joined many other counties in utilizing automated collection to pick up residential garbage and recycling. The use of 95-gallon roll carts and automated collection trucks provide service that is more efficient, cost effective, and sustainable. In addition, automated collection is safer for workers and provides a cleaner look in neighborhoods when compared to manual collection. Carts What are the benefits of using roll carts for the collection of garbage and recycling? Increased convenience for residents: residents no longer need to take multiple trips to the curb Cleaner neighborhoods: roll carts create neater and litter-free neighborhoods Increased recycling: studies show that automated garbage collection programs increase recycling rates up to 35% Reduces the chances of pests and rodents getting into your trash How many bags will each roll cart hold? A 95-gallon roll cart holds approximately 8 average-filled, 13-gallon trash bags. How do I use the roll carts? There should be about three feet of clearance around each roll cart placed curbside in order for the trucks to use the mechanical arm. The roll carts should be placed away from the mailbox, parked cars, and low-hanging tree limbs with the handles facing your house. Page 1 of 5

2 Where do I place my carts if I have an alleyway? If you live in a neighborhood with alleyways, place your roll carts in the alley for collection. For better service in the alleyways, please remember to: - Keep three feet of clearance around the roll carts - Place roll carts away from obstructions such as parked cars, low hanging limbs, shrubbery, and basketball hoops - Place the roll carts with the handles facing the house Can I put more bags out next to our roll carts? No. Automated collection requires that all garbage be placed in the roll cart. You may call the Solid Waste Hotline at to see if you qualify for an additional cart. How much space will the roll carts take up in my garage? The largest cart is 45.13" high, 28.7" wide, and 33.73" deep. The footprint of the roll carts is less than two regular 32-gallon cans and two recycling bins previously used by many households. Can I request a different size roll cart? A one-time size change at no charge can be arranged by calling the Solid Waste Hotline at between April 1, 2016, and May 31, Can I use my own garbage cans for automated collection? No. You must use the county-issued roll carts for garbage and recyclables. Automated collection requires a standardized, heavy-duty container that works with the truck mechanisms and leaves the streets clean. What should I do with my old garbage cans? You are encouraged to keep your old cans for yard waste collection. Yard waste is still collected manually at the curb in your own containers, in bundles, and/or bags. If you do not want to keep them, they can be brought to the Orange County Landfill, Porter Transfer Station, or McLeod Road Transfer Station for recycling. If I move, should I take my roll carts with me? No. The roll carts must remain at the address where they were delivered. Page 2 of 5

3 Garbage What kinds of garbage can I put in the automated garbage roll cart? Household garbage items, except for those items listed below, may be placed in the roll cart with the GREEN lid. It is recommended that garbage items be bagged and tied first, then placed in the roll cart. This practice will keep your container cleaner, minimize odors, and reduce the chance of windblown litter. Do not place the following items in your garbage roll cart: - Hot ashes or coals - Recyclable items - Household hazardous chemicals - Medical waste - Fluorescent bulbs - Tires - Paint - Yard waste such as bagged or loose grass, leaves, or small branches How do I dispose of large items that will not fit in my 95-gallon roll cart? Residents may call the Solid Waste Hotline at to schedule collection. How often are recycling, garbage, and yard waste picked up? Garbage, recycling, and yard waste are each picked up once per week. How can I find out my collection service days? You may get your collection schedule by calling a Solid Waste Hotline customer service representative Monday Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at or visiting Are services provided during the holidays? The only collection holidays are Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. When these holidays fall on a regular scheduled collection day, the carts will be picked up one day after the normally scheduled collection day for the rest of the week. For example, if your collection day is Thursday, then your collection day will be the Friday after Thanksgiving and Friday s collection will be on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Page 3 of 5

4 Recycling What kinds of recyclables can I place in the recycling roll cart? Residents can mix all clean recyclable materials and place them into their container with the BLUE lid. The following items are acceptable: Newspapers and advertisements Pasteboard (cereal and shoe boxes, and empty paper towel and toilet paper rolls) Paper bags Phone books Flattened corrugated cardboard boxes Magazines and catalogs Junk mail Office, writing, and note paper Metal cans (tin, aluminum, and steel) Glass bottles and jars Aseptic containers (drink boxes) and gable-top cartons Empty aerosol cans Plastic bottles and containers labeled #1 - #7 What kinds of materials are not allowed in the recycling roll cart? The recycling program can only recycle the material listed above and no other material should go into the recycling roll cart. Below is a list of materials that are particularly troublesome and should not be placed in the recycling roll cart. No hazardous materials No delivery pizza boxes No food waste No dishes, paper plates, pots, or pans No tires No batteries No clothes/textiles No carpet No plants or yard waste such as bagged or loose grass, leaves, or small branches No plastic bags No electronics No hoses No toys or laundry baskets No juice pouches No shredded paper No polystyrene/styrofoam No gift wrap, ribbons, or bows No liquids No hangers (plastic or wire) What should I do with my old 18-gallon recycling bins? We encourage you to keep the bins for other household purposes. If you do not want to keep them, they can be brought to the Orange County Landfill, Porter Transfer Station, or McLeod Road Transfer Station for recycling. Page 4 of 5

5 Yard Waste What about yard waste? Does it go in a roll cart? No, yard waste should not be placed in the garbage or recycling roll cart. Yard waste is still collected manually curbside in containers provided by residents, or in bundles and/or bags. Bundle tree and shrub clippings into lengths of three feet or less and tie with string or twine. Each bag, bundle, or container must weigh less than 60 pounds, and yard waste volumes cannot exceed three cubic yards. Rear-Door Service What if I am disabled and cannot take my roll cart to the curb? Disabled residents who are unable to take their roll carts to the curb may apply to the Solid Waste Division for rear-door service. The driver will collect the roll carts at an accessible location close to the house, empty them, and then return the roll carts to the same location. Qualified residents will receive rear-door service at no charge. What if I want rear-door service but I do not qualify as disabled? Residents who are not disabled may arrange for rear-door service through their franchise hauler for an additional fee of $13.50 per month. The cost for service may be adjusted annually by the county and must be paid by the customer directly to the franchise hauler. Contact Who do I contact for more information? Visit call the Solid Waste Hotline at , or [email protected]. Page 5 of 5