Having your waste and recycling carts in position for collection is key to a successful program. The following are general guidelines. Be sure to check with your local solid waste authority for specific instructions on all these points for your community.
- Place your carts with the lid opening facing the street and the handle facing away. Most communities ask that carts be set no more than 5 feet from the curb or alley and at least 3 feet apart from each other. Carts typically cannot be placed into the street for collection.
- Typically, recycling and waste carts are set out by 6 a.m. on your collection day. There is also likely a time that is the earliest to set out on the day before collection.
- Position carts at least 3 feet apart from each other and obstacles such as trees, posts, mailboxes, and vehicles. Leave at least 3 feet of space between carts and parked cars in areas with limited parking, and avoid parking in front of carts on collection day.
- Do not place carts under trees or other structures that may obstruct collection. Automated pickup requires up to 15 feet of overhead clearance.
- Keep carts clean by rinsing them out periodically with water. Be sure to empty all water from the bottom of the cart and allow it to dry before use. For more on a fresh-smelling cart, follow these cleaning instructions.
- Once collection is complete, carts should be removed from the curb or alley as soon as possible after pickup. Most communities have a time by which they must be returned from the curb.
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