Wethersfield Frequently Asked Questions: April 12, 2010
What do I do with the old recycling bin?
You may keep your existing recycle bin to use inside your home for your recyclables. Keep in mind, once automated single stream recycle service starts, you will not be able to use this recycle bin at the curb for pick-up. All recyclables must be placed in your 95 gallon blue barrel for automated single stream collection.
What if my recycling barrel becomes dirty? Can I get a new one?
No. Residents are responsible for keeping their barrels clean. By disposing of clean, rinsed recyclables, your barrel should stay clean.
What if I have more recyclable materials than will fit in my recycle barrel?
Your new 95 gallon Automated Single Stream recycling barrel will have 6 times the capacity of your present 15 gallon recycling bin so by flattening the corrugated cardboard, there should be more than enough room.
Do I still need to rinse my recyclables?
Yes. All glass, tin, aluminum, plastic containers and aseptic packaging must be rinsed clean prior to placing in your automated recycle barrel. No change from previous requirements.
What is automated single stream recycle? Does this mean I no longer need to separate my trash from my recyclables?
Automated single stream recycle does not mean you can mix your trash together with your recyclables. With automated single stream recycling, all recycle materials are placed in your new blue barrel and your trash is placed in your green barrel. Both barrels are then emptied by two different automated trucks. One of the main benefits of single stream recycling is that you no longer need to separate the glass from the tin, nor keep the paper and cardboard separate from the other items which make it easier for residents to recycle. It is suggested however, that you put the heavy newspapers at the bottom of your barrel and the lighter material on top.
What items are accepted for single stream curbside recycling?
Paper (newspaper, junk mail, magazines, catalogs, envelopes)
Office paper and school paper
Clean flattened corrugated cardboard
Boxboard, (cereal and tissue boxes, paper towel rolls)
Paper egg cartons
Paper bags
Shredded paper in paper bags
Glass jars and bottles
Aluminum cans and clean foil
Empty tin and steel aerosol cans
All plastic containers labeled #1 thru #7 up to 3 gallons (no motor oil bottles or flower pots).
Aseptic packaging (milk & juice cartons, juice boxes)
Please watch the Wethersfield and Paine’s websites for updates from CRRA on acceptable materials.
What is the pick-up schedule?
Trash pick-up will continue to be every week. Recycling pick-up will be every two weeks on the same day as trash pick-up. A copy of the recycling schedule will be delivered with your new recycle barrel. It will also be posted on Paine’s web site, www.painesinc.com by May 24, 2010.
How far from the curb and other obstacles can I place my barrel?
Please face the handle away from the street and two (2) feet away from your trash barrel, mailbox, lawn ornaments, etc.
Is this barrel mine to keep?
No. The barrel is the property of Paine’s. The homeowner is responsible to maintain the barrel in reasonable condition during the service period. Should you move, even within the town, the barrel remains at the residence.
What is the policy for damaged barrels?
If the damage is the result of normal wear and tear, (example, broken lid or wheel), it will be replaced or repaired at no charge to the homeowner. If the damage is the result of abuse, there will be a $75.00 charge to the homeowner to replace the barrel. All normal wear and tear repairs or replacement of barrel will be handled by Paine’s.
Can I now put leaves and grass in this new recycle barrel?
No. These items are not part of this automated single stream recycle collection program and must still be recycled separately.
How many recycle barrels will a residential two or three family dwelling receive for collection?
Each dwelling unit will receive one 95 gallon barrel.
How will I get a barrel?
Your barrel will be delivered to you and left in front of your house at curbside. The placement at delivery will be the preferred site for your recycle collection. You should remove the barrel from the curbside when you receive it and make a note of your barrel number.
Can I use the new recycle barrel before the automated collection begins?
No, you cannot. The barrel is too big to be emptied by hand. Please refer to the calendar that was part of the literature attached to your new barrel which lists your automated collection pick-up schedule.