Full Notification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jennifer Conway
October 6, 2015 609-567-0700 ext. 5003

Automated trash collection comes to Winslow Township
Winslow Township will move to fully automated residential trash collection January 1, 2016, under a new five-year contract for trash collection and disposal services awarded by the Mayor and Township Committee on Tuesday, September 22, 2015.

Each household will receive a 96-gallon black trash container with wheels and a 96-gallon black recycling container with a green lid and wheels that will replace all other trash and recycling bins. The containers will be emptied each week by specially outfitted trucks with automated arms that will lift the can, empty it, and place it back at the curb.

The bids for trash collection and disposal contained two options – the current standard system, and an automated system. Over 5 years, the operating budget for the automated collections came in $322,000 less expensive than the current system. Additionally, municipalities that switch to automated collection historically see at least a 10% reduction in tonnage, which is due to the container being covered and precluding trash from absorbing rain water, thereby reducing the added rain water weight. That reduction in tonnage estimated over 5 years translates to a savings in disposal costs of $367,000. Further, the Township will no longer have to purchase the 20-gallon yellow recycling buckets, at a savings of $50,000 over 5 years.

The 96-gallon carts are expected to be delivered to residents in early December, with full implementation expected to take several weeks, officials say.

Although the new carts are being delivered to homes in December, automated collection will not begin until the first collection in January. As of January 1, 2016 any trash placed at the curb in any other receptacle will not be collected. The yellow recycling bins currently being used for single stream recycling will now be used for yard waste such as small tree limbs, brush, grass clippings, etc.

For more information, contact Winslow Township Public Works at (609) 567-0700 x9001 or [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the benefits of moving to automated trash collection?
Automation is a faster and more efficient way to collect residential solid waste. Additionally, other towns that have moved to automated collection have reported an increase in recycling rates and an overall reduction in the amount of trash collected. The hinged lids help to keep rain water out of cans, reducing trash weight, and are as animal-proof as possible.

In addition to anticipated time and cost savings, the program will help keep our neighborhoods neat and clean, improve safety on residential streets, and provide safer working conditions for trash collectors.
When will we receive our new carts?

Carts are expected to be delivered to every home in the Township beginning in early December. Full roll-out will take several weeks. Cans are property of Winslow Township. No appointment is necessary, and you do not need to be home to receive your new can.
When will automated collection begin?

You should begin using your new cart January 1, 2016. As of January 1, 2016, trash put at the curb in any other receptacle will not be collected.

What should I do with my old trash cans and recycling bins?
• Old trash cans will be collected at the curb the week after your new can has been delivered. Please mark the can as “Trash” and turn it upside down to be collected.
• Old trash cans and the yellow recycling cans may also be re-purposed for your lawn and yard waste. Please note that yard waste placed at the curb may not exceed 50 lbs. “Yard Waste Only” labels are available at no charge at the Public Works office.

Do I have to pay for my new trash cart?
No. All households will receive two new, 96-gallon cart at no charge. One cart will be for trash and one cart will be for recyclables.

What do the new carts look like?
Winslow Township has selected a black, 96-gallon trash carts with a black lid and a black, 96-gallon recycling carts with green lids. The lids will be clearly marked trash or recyclables. . These uniform carts will help to keep our residential streets neat and clean. All trash carts will have the Township logo on the side and will be linked to your address via a serial number embedded in the plastic.

How do I prepare my trash cart for weekly set-out?
All trash should be bagged before being placed in the cart. The lid to the cart must close tightly, and no material should be sticking out of the cart. Trash and recycling carts should be placed at the curb approximately 3 feet apart from each other, and at least 4 feet from obstacles such as mailboxes, telephone poles and any overhead obstructions. Cart handles and wheels should be facing the house and the lid opening should face the street.

I already have a rolling cart at home, can I use that one?
No. Only those carts provided by the Town will be collected. Carts other than those provided by the Township will not be collected once your new cart has been delivered.

What do I do with my cart if I move?
Carts are issued and owned by the Township and must remain at the property/address to which they are assigned.
The new carts look big. Are they easy to wheel to and from the curb?
The new trash carts are easier to maneuver than a similar-sized trash can. They are designed for weight distribution and safety and are easy to move to the curb even when they are full. They are senior-friendly and roll easily on all types of terrain. It is easier to pull the cart uphill and push the cart downhill.

Will lawn and yard waste still be collected?
Yes. Lawn and yard waste will still be collected according to existing guidelines on your normal trash day.

Are the new carts animal proof?
The new carts are the most animal proof available. If you store your cart outside and encounter a problem with animals, you can use a bungee cord to secure the lid to the lift bar, but please remember to remove the bungee cord on your collection day or your cart will not be emptied.

Will my collection day remain the same?
Yes. Your trash will continue be collected weekly, and on the same collection day. Place all trash, recyclables, and yard waste out for collection after 5:30 p.m. the day before or prior to 7 a.m. the day of your scheduled collection day. All emptied containers must be removed from curbside within 12 hours after the end of the collection day.

What if my cart is damaged?
Contact the Department of Public Works at (609) 567-0700 x9001 or [email protected] to report a damaged cart.
What should I do with overflow trash that does not fit into my cart?
Your new trash cart is the can accommodate as much volume as 3 to 4 standard-sized trash cans. We expect these carts to be sufficient for your household. If you have a one-time overflow of trash, please hold it until your next regular collection day.

Will collection of bulk items (sofas, mattresses, other furniture) change?
Bulk items that do not fit inside the trash cart will continue to be collected according to our existing guidelines.

How will I get rid of large appliances?
Refrigerators, freezers, grills, stoves, washers, dryers, and other metal items are collected 1 day per week on Fridays. Please call the Department of Public Works to schedule a pickup at (6090 567-0700 x9001, email [email protected] or download the GORequest app to request your pickup electronically. Remember to remove the doors from refrigerators, freezers, stoves, and dishwashers.

How do I dispose of electronics?
These items will not be collected curbside, but can be taken to the Township’s Recycling Center at Department of Public Works.
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