FAQs

Answer
21. Q When does the automated collection program begin?
A Tote delivery begins 9/13/2010 and is scheduled to be completed throughout the county by 11/6/2010.
Are these carts animal proof?
They are the most animal proof carts currently available. However, they are not bear proof.
Can I now put leaves, grass or other mandated recyclables in this new trash cart?
No, these and any other items that have been banned by law or regulation from the waste stream are still prohibited.
Can I use another container?
No, The equipment used to empty the totes are not able to handle traditional trash containers and the County has determined that the carts/totes are the only acceptable container to be used.
Can I use the new cart before the automated collection begins?
No, The automated equipment used to empty the carts is being deployed the week after delivery of your cart.
Can we put more bags out next to our carts?
No. All trash must be placed inside the cart for collection. The cover may be partially open.
Do I still need to bag my trash?
Yes, it is recommended that trash is bagged as you normally have done in the past. Bagging helps keep your cart clean and free of odor it also reduces the chance of wind blown litter.
Do the automated collection carts have any other benefits?
Yes, They provide a standardized clean look to areas they are deployed. In addition it reduces the chance of pests/rodents getting into your trash.
How big are the carts? What are their dimensions?
A 95 gallon container is 46.1” High, 27.7” Wide, 31.6” Deep, 12” Wheel Diameter, and weighs 45 lbs. A 65 gallon container is 42.2” High, 25.9” Wide 26.5” Deep, 10” Wheel Diameter, and weighs 33 lbs.
How do I dispose of my old trash can?
There will be no charge to remove your old plastic trash can. It is suggested that you use them for your yard waste and leaves. There will be a schedule published for any resident wishing to have their old container removed and recycled.
How do I get large items collected?
Bulky items that will not fit in your tote such as furniture, mattresses, and other large items are picked up separately from household trash. Please call Republic Services to schedule collection. These items do not count as one of your 4 additional yearly collections for items outside the tote.
How far from the curb and other obstacles can I place my cart?
Five (5) feet or less and with the handle turned away from the street.
How many bags will each cart hold?
A 95 gallon tote holds approximately 8 average filled 13 gallon trash bags.
How many carts will a residential two or three family dwelling receive?
Each dwelling will receive one cart. A resident can request an additional cart through Republic Services for an annual fee of $100.00
How many sanitation workers will lose their jobs because of this new program?
None we have reassigned those employees to other positions.
How will I get a cart?
Your cart will be delivered to you and left in front of your house at curbside. Your collection will begin the following week. Please check the literature that came with your cart to see your collection day as it may have changed. You should remove the cart from the curbside when you receive it.
How will I know which size cart I will be getting?
Each residence is scheduled to receive a 95 gallon cart.
I am moving and need to dispose of more trash than will fit in my cart. What should I do?
There are several options: 1. You can begin to dispose of trash well in advance of the move. 2. You can use an on-line service to give your items away. 3. You can donate usable items to a social agency. 4. You can secure a dumpster (they come as small as 2 cubic yards). 5. Call Republic Services for pricing to assist you in the disposal. You also have the 4 time per year option of 5 additional bags per service day if you have not taken advantage of this opportunity.
I have not received my tote yet, when will it be delivered?
Delivery is being phased in over a 7 week period starting September 13, 2010. You will receive your tote 1 week prior to starting automated service. If you see that your neighbors have received delivery, but not you, please notify Republic. We can verify if a delivery has been made by the serial number, or arrange delivery if there has been an oversight. Addresses with more than one home on the property should check with the County to see if they are being charged properly for trash collection for each house. Multiple houses paying for only one (1) service will receive one (1) tote.
I would like to start with a smaller cart. However, what if it turns out I need a larger one?
The county has directed Republic Services to provide the 95 gallon cart. Residents that want a smaller cart are requested to contact the County solid waste department after 90 days of receiving your original cart.
If I need a second tote at my home, is there a charge?
There is a yearly charge of $100.00 paid by the homeowner direct to Republic. If a second tote is requested, after payment to Republic, one will be delivered before your next service day. Billing for totes will be on a yearly basis from October 1 to September 30 and will not be pro-rated or split. If payment of invoice is not made within the terms, the second tote will be removed from service and returned to the County.
Is this cart mine to keep?
The cart does not belong to the homeowner. Should you move, even within the County, the cart remains at the residence. Any residence with a second cart will have to contact Republic to have the second cart re-assigned to your new address
My cart is dirty. Can I get a replacement?
The housekeeping of the cart is the responsibility of the homeowner. If you bag all your trash, maintenance is minor. An occasional washing with water and a little ammonia or disinfectant cleaner will keep your cart from smelling.
My condominium uses carts. Where should I place the new containers for collection?
The carts must be placed so they are accessible to the automated truck. A condominium board spokesperson should contact Republic with any placement questions.
One of the wheels has come off my cart. What should I do?
The wheels have a pin which should snap on the axle. It possibly was not pushed in properly at the time of delivery. Simply push the wheel back on until you feel it click in place. If you continue to have a problem, notify Republic and we will repair or replace the cart.
What else will the serial number and micro chip be able to track?
The chip will be used as part of our state of the art in cab computer system. The driver has a monitor that registers through GPS, exactly where the truck has been at any time of the day within a few feet. When the truck arrives, the tote is automatically scanned to show the time and place. The truck is equipped with an on board camera that shows the driver the dumping process overhead, records the tote being dumped, and weighs the can as it is set back. The onboard camera system is also equipped to take a picture in the event documentation may be helpful. This information is transmitted back to Republic and retained for future reference.
What if my cart gets damaged or stolen?
The carts are the property of Polk County and each one is assigned an address and a serial number. All carts have a micro chip embedded into the container and is registered to that address. Our collection vehicles will recognize any container not registered to that address and the container mismatch reported. A police report must be made for all stolen containers before a new container will be issued. Should this container be reported at another address, we will refer to this police report for further investigation of the theft. If our collection truck caused the damage, we will replace the cart at no charge to you. If the damage is from any other cause, the resident may be responsible for replacement. Wheels, lids, and axles are normally replaced at no cost to the resident. Please DO NOT write house numbers or put any other marking on the carts. The cart is the property of Polk County. If you move, please leave the cart at its current address.
What time do I need to have my cart, recycle, and yard waste out by?
6:00 AM on your refuse collection day. All scheduled times have changed and will vary during this transition. Collection can be anytime between 6 am – 6 pm.
What will happen during the holidays when I have excess trash?
If all of your trash will not fit into your container you can either ask a neighbor if they have room in their container or you may have to hold non-perishable refuse (i.e. wrapping paper, boxes and packaging material) until the following week. Residents my place up to 5 additional bags alongside their tote up to 4 times per year at no additional charge
Where do I put my recyclables?
You should continue to put recyclables in your recycling bin(s). That container should still be placed at curbside on your refuse collection day, but not on top of your trash collection tote.
Who owns the carts?
The carts are owned by Polk County. Republic has been contracted to provide maintenance when required.
Why do the handles on the garbage containers need to be facing my house?
The automated collection truck cannot turn the container around as it picks it up. Dumping the container “backwards” can break or damage the lid, and allow trash to spill onto the ground.
Why the change from manual to automated refuse collection?
The county has determined that moving to automated service is the safest, most cost effective method of collection available to the citizens of Polk County.
Will a 95-gallon cart be sufficient for my trash?
Experience has shown that the large 95-gallon carts are sufficient for most homes. One cart holds the equivalent of three average garbage containers. Recycling also reduces the amount of material being sent to the landfill.
Will automated refuse collection affect recycling, yard waste, and bulk collection?
Yes, the day of collection for recycling and yard waste will be the same day as trash collection. Bulky item pick up requires you to call in to Republic Services you will be serviced within 3 business days after Republic Services receives your service request.
Will the current placement of my cart(s) change because of automated collection?
Possibly, the container needs to be placed at the curb or no further than five feet away from the curb clear of any obstructions such as mailboxes, fences, overhead wires etc. Should you find your container is in a different location from where you placed it, please put your future set out in this new location.
Will there be an appearance issue if I store my cart outside?
No, it is no different than refuse carts that are currently stored outside. In fact, it may make for a better appearance since there will probably be only one cart as opposed to two or more.
Won’t these new carts blow over more easily since they are larger?
The new automated carts are very stable. They have been tested and the 95 gallon cart can withstand winds up to 45 mph empty.