Frequently Asked Questions New Garbage Collection Service

Effective July 1, 2015

Why is my garbage collection service changing? The current 5-year garbage contract expires July 1. The City received bids and based on those bids, it was decided that City contracted garbage service would be collected curbside for several reasons the very limited number of contractors offering backyard service, the high cost of backyard service (1 times curbside costs) and that residents, in general, are satisfied with the new curbside cart system for recycling. Our new contractor is Republic Services and they are well-qualified in the collection of residential garbage for municipalities nationwide. What changes can I expect? 1. New Garbage Carts Republic Services will be delivering a new garbage cart to residential houses

during the week of June 29-July 3.

2. Citywide Curbside Service Starting in July, garbage carts must be rolled to the street for collection, the same way your recycling is collected.

3. Automated Service Republic Services crews do not have to get out of the truck. Collection is automated so all items must be in your cart for pick up.

What remains the same? 1. Monday and Tuesday collection days remain the same.

2. No separate fee for garbage collection in the City.

3. Bulk collection remains the same. Residents are allowed three bulk collections per year with two large items per collection. We must give the contractor a two-day notice for bulk pickups. Items include furniture and appliances - no building materials such as wood, windows, sheetrock, etc. are permitted.

4. Yard debris collection remains the same. Residents are allowed to place 10 bags of leaves/grass clippings OR 10 bundles of sticks/limbs tied with twine or boxed. Sticks/limbs must be less than 4 feet in length and less than 3 inches in diameter. Place curbside without appointment on your assigned collection day.

When do I take my cart out to the street? Either place your cart out before 7:00 am of the collection day or the evening before collection day. Remove your cart no later than the evening of your collection day. Do not leave your cart at the curb after collection day.

When does the new garbage collection begin? Carts will be delivered the week of June 29-July 3, just in time for your first collection on:

If your pick up day is Monday first collection is JULY 6, 2015 If your pickup day is Tuesday first collection is JULY 7, 2015

How big is the cart? 65 gallon carts will be delivered to each house (size may vary for multi-family areas). The new garbage carts are the same brand and size as the current recycling carts. Garbage carts will be gray with a blue top and have the city seal stamped on the side. The carts have secure lids and wheels for easy placement at the curb. Remember: BLUE for garbage GREEN for recycling.

What if 65 gallons is too big? After the initial delivery of the 65 gallon carts, you can request an exchange to a 35 gallon cart. What if the 65 gallon is too small? We ask you to recycle as much as possible but if needed, you can request an additional 65 gallon cart. There is a limit of two (2) City issued garbage carts per residential address. What happens to the cart if I move? The cart must be left at your address. How do I place my cart at the curb? Carts must be placed at the curb with the lid opening facing the street. Please allow for a minimum clearance of five (5) feet away from any obstructions such as parked cars, utility poles and boxes, tree and bushes. How does automated collection change how I put out my garbage? Since the crew will no longer get out of the truckall garbage should be in the cart. If you have an extra bag or box, place it on top of your cart so that it will easily fall into the truck during collection. What if everyone in my household is physically unable to roll our cart to the curb? Most will find that moving the new carts to the curb is much easier. If backyard collection is needed, the City will provide a Backyard Service Request Form. The form must be filled out and returned for review. Once reviewed, the City will keep your address on file and submit your address to the contractor for backyard service. We do ask that your garbage cart be located in an accessible location for this service. What should I do with my old trash can? Residents have several options:

Keep your old trash can to occasionally place yard debris/sticks at the curb.

If you have a small trash can place it in your recycling cart or new garbage cart for disposal. If you have a large trash can call the City to set up an appointment for it to be collected.

What if I already have a City issued trashcan (dark green with city seal stamped on the side)? The current company, Waste Management, owns the trash cans. They will be removing the trash cans on their last day of collection for the city:

Monday collection - your trash can will be removed on June 29th.

Tuesday collection - your trash can will be removed on June 30th. Can I continue to use my old trashcan or bags? No. Collection is automated, therefore residents must use only the cart provided. What if my new cart is broken or stolen? Call the Public Works & Utilities Department to request a replacement cart. Who do I contact with additional questions? Public Works & Utilities Department.

Remember to TRASH LESS RECYCLE MORE! Call the Public Works & Utilities Department for information on the Citys recycling program

and to request a recycling cart.

PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES DEPARTMENT 401 LAFAYETTE STREET

WILLIAMSBURG, VA 23185 757-220-6140 / FAX 757-253-3798 publicworks@williamsburgva.gov