With the Dearborn City Council’s approval this week of a new seven year, $33 million contact with Republic Waste Services for residential trash service, recycling compost and leaf collection, we thought it would be a good idea to list out in a question and answer format what residents can expect. The 20 questions and answers below are from the City of Dearborn.
Dearborn’s new curbside trash/recycling program begins the week of July 5.
Q: Why is the City switching to this system?
A: The City believes a system using two large carts will encourage more recycling, reduce litter problems and concerns about rodents and pests, and give a more uniform appearance to neighborhoods on trash days. It also allows for an automated system for curbside collection, which will help to contain the cost for trash and recycling pickup.
Q: Will my trash collection day change?
A: No.
Q: Since curbside recycling is every other week, how will I know which week to place my recycling cart at the curbside?
A: Each household will receive a comprehensive information packet including a recycling schedule for their neighborhood when the cart is delivered.
Q: Should I put my address on my carts?
A: There is a spot on the lid for addresses. Please do not write on any other location on the cart.
Q: What should I do with my current trash cans?
A: You might want to keep them for yard waste containers or other purposes. If you want to dispose of them, please put a sign on them that says “Please pick up as trash” and Republic will dispose of them.
Q: What if I my 96-gallon trash cart is full and I still have more trash?
A: That is not a problem, if it occurs on an occasional basis. All qualified materials will be picked up at the curb, even items not in your 96-gallon cart.
Remember you must use your gray trash cart every week. But you may place excess trash on the easement behind the curb in an appropriate container or plastic bag. However, if you have more trash than can be contained in the cart on a regular basis, you may be asked to purchase an additional cart for a one time charge.
Q: What about bulky items that don’t fit in the trash cart?
A: The City will continue to offer curbside collection of bulky items, like furniture and appliances, as part of the regular collection service.
Note that special fees will still apply if a large number of items are left at the curbside following a move out.
Q: What do I do with my existing 18-gallon recycling bin?
A: You should no longer use it for curbside recycling. If you don’t want it for other household purposes, put it inside the new 96-gallon green cart and it will be recycled.
Q: Where do I store the carts?
A: Ideally, inside your garage, behind the garage or behind your house. If that is not possible, store them away from your neighbors’ houses as much as possible and try to keep them out of sight from the front sidewalk.
Q: Do I have to bag my trash before I put it in the cart?
A: Yes. Do not put loose trash in the cart. All trash should be in bags when it is placed in the carts.
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Metro Times magazine’s annual “best of“ awards is now on newsstands in metro Detroit so we thought it would be good to list what Dearborn establishments this year were chosen either by readers or the staff of the Metro Times.