Core city neighborhoods start automated recycling Jan. 5

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The recycling cart contractor, Toter, subcontracted installation and delivery of the carts, which will be used for recyclables beginning Jan. 5, 2015.

 

Beginning mid-December 2014, residents in Riverside, Avondale, San Marco and other core neighborhoods saw delivery of large wheeled cans with bright yellow tops.

Those 96-gallon carts are being put in place for the Jan. 5 launch of automated recycling service. Each cart is assigned to a property owner and the handle contains a radio chip with that information. That means that if you purchased a similar can previously from a local home and garden supply retailer, you’re out of luck and out of bucks. All residents who receive the new City-supplied cans must use only those carts and nothing else.

According to Jeff Foster of the City’s Solid Waste Division, “We have a manufacturer’s warranty on the cans. We don’t want to be responsible for damage to a non-issued can. Ours are very sturdy, very robust with a 10-year life span.”

The carts are being paid for through the Enterprise Fund, which draws from a variety of income streams, including residential waste management fees, so there is no charge to the homeowner for the first can. Single family residential buildings with up to four units will get up to four cans; small commercial buildings up to nine and anything requiring more will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Foster noted that this is one of the first steps in meeting a Florida state goal on recycling 75 percent of municipal solid waste. “If City Council approves next year, we’ll start an automated garbage program in 2016,” he stated.

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What you need to know

You many only put approved recycle items in the cans, including paper, plastic #1-7, cans, glass and aseptic packaging. Recycling debris should be dry and free of liquids. If debris falls, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to clean up the debris. This will not happen if the lid is properly closed and flat to the top of the cart.

There are two available cart sizes: 96 gallon and 64 gallon. A resident may request the smaller cart, however, the City would like to see residents use the larger cart for at least 60 days. After the 60 day trial period, call 630-CITY (630-2489) or enter a C.A.R.E. issue using the following description: Core City Only – Recycle Cart Request. Only the first cart swap will be free.

For those residents who need more than one recycling cart collected per week, you may request additional carts for $65 each by calling 630-CITY (630-2489) or entering a C.A.R.E. issue using the following description: Core City Recycle Cart Request. Only authorized carts will be collected. Recycling overflow may not be placed in any other containers.

If your cart is damaged, call 630-CITY (630-2489) or enter a C.A.R.E. issue using the following description: Core City Recycle Cart Request. In order to determine if a cart needs to be repaired or replaced please explain the damages. Ultimately, the hauler will determine if the cart is to be repaired or replaced. If the cart is damaged due to misuse, there may be a replacement charge.

If your cart was stolen, there will be $65 fee to replace the cart or no cost if you have a police report indicating the cart has been stolen. Call 630-CITY (630-2489) or enter a C.A.R.E. issue using the following description: Core City Only – Recycle Cart Request.

If you have a disability, to find out if you qualify for special accommodations, schedule a home visit by calling (904) 630-CITY (904-630-2489).

By Kate A. Hallock, Editor

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