Recycling Box Spill-over Problem Addressed

Recently some of our neighbors have had concerns regarding the debris remaining after their blue box recycling containers have been dumped. During collection, papers from the containers spilled out of the box and fell onto the street. Then the drivers either don’t notice the debris left behind, or if they do notice it, they don’t attempt to pick up whatever is left behind. Our president, Dan Hurley, brought this concern to the attention of Chris Wagner, Director, Bureau of Operations and Parks. The reply from Mr. Wagner follows:

“Thanks for your e-mail. I have addressed your concerns with my refuse & recycling manager, who in turn has spoken to the collectors. As you mention, our collectors are on an incentive program; however, they should not be compromising quality in their haste to complete their routes, and that is something we don’t tolerate. If we become aware of problems with a particular route during the work day, we will not hesitate to send a collector back out to correct the problems before allowing the collector to punch out for the day. If you are aware of specific locations where a recurring problem exists, please let me know so that I may follow up further to ensure those locations are properly serviced. Papers blowing out of recycling boxes can be a problem, particularly on arterial streets where vehicles travel at higher rates of speed. Things that residents can do to minimize that include placing papers to be recycled in bags within the recycling container, or putting a rock or other heavy object on top of papers in the recycling box. We also have 3-4 hand litter collection crews working in refuse collection areas on collection day to try to address litter concerns. Residents are encouraged to call 311 to report litter or other service problems. That is probably the quickest way to get a problem such as this resolved because we can often dispatch a hand crew that same day.”

Reminders about Refuse Service

Keeping our neighborhood neat and clean is important and shows others that we take pride in our properties. A few reminders about trash day and refuse/recycling containers:

1. Place your refuse and recycling bins between the sidewalk and curb in front of your residence no earlier than the evening before and no later than 6:30 a.m. on collection day.
2. If your cart is full, you may use plastic bags or other containers. The weight limit for the cart is 200 lbs., and bags and other containers must not exceed 30 lbs.
3. Remove your refuse & recycling containers from the curb within 24 hours after pick-up.
4. Bulk refuse items are picked up on your regular collection day. Remove doors from refrigerators and other appliances.
   Loose wood, trees, bushes and hedges must be tied in bundles that are no longer than 4' long and 18" in diameter. The bundles must weigh no more than 50 lbs.
5. Do not obstruct sidewalks or streets with refuse or scattered debris.
6. When snow is accumulated, place your refuse cart and recycling bins at the edge of the driveway or in a shoveled path. DO NOT place them on top of snow banks or in the street or on the sidewalk, where they may hamper vehicular or pedestrian traffic and snow removal activities.

If you have questions, contact the Office of Customer Satisfaction, 428-5990.

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