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1. What is a fully automated waste collection system?

A fully automated system describes a waste removal collection process whereby an automated arm on the waste truck is used to retrieve, dump and replace a cart. The driver of the waste truck need not exit the vehicle in order to collect the trash. Residents in single-family or duplex units in Normal must use a Town issued cart. If the previous owner did not leave the cart, or it is a new home, a cart must be purchased from the Town of Normal at a cost of $60.

2. What are the benefits of an automated waste collection system?

This type of collection system:

• Improves the efficiency of the trash collection process by maximizing the number of stops collected per day
• Delays the need for additional personnel and trucks.
• Reduces the risk of injury to the drivers who have been subject to injury from sharp or heavy objects
• Uses garbage carts that have wheels, are easy for residents to maneuver, can withstand strong winds and prevents the messy conditions associated with animals getting into garbage bags.

3. Are residents required to use a Town-issued cart for the waste and curbside recycling programs?

Yes. Single-family and duplex residences must use the Town-issued cart. All trash (or recycling, as applicable) must be placed inside the cart. Residents on private streets who contract for private waste collection should not purchase carts as they are not eligible to participate in the Town's automated garbage and curbside recycling programs.

4. How is a garbage cart used?

Residents must place all household trash inside the cart and wheel it to the curb for collection. Carts must be placed at least three feet away from mailboxes, trees or other carts or bulky waste so that the automated arm can grab, dump and replace it on the curb. Carts should not be placed on the street. Carts should be retrieved from curbside within 12 hours after collection.

5. What can be placed in the cart for garbage collection?

Regular household garbage must be placed in the cart. It is suggested that residents continue to use garbage bags in order to minimize odor and to keep the cart clean.

6. What if I have more trash than can fit in my town-issued cart?

All waste must be placed inside the cart for collection. The lid need not be closed in order for the waste truck to pick up the cart. If there is still more trash than can fit in the cart, even with the lid open, residents are asked to do the following:

• Recycle as much material as possible by either placing recyclable materials in your recycling cart or by taking recyclable materials to one of the Town’s drop-box recycling sites.
• Hold a bag or two of trash until the next collection day, when all waste could fit in the cart.
• If you just moved in or are moving out of your residence, call the Town at 309-454-9571 for special instructions on how to handle extra bags of garbage.

7. What size carts are available?

Carts are available for purchase at $60 in two sizes: 95 gallon and 65 gallon. Most residents will find that the 95-gallon cart is easy to use and that the larger capacity will be handy following holidays, special events and after spring or fall clean-up.

8. Can I purchase my own cart from a local retailer?

Residents must use a cart provided by the Town. The carts have been tested and can withstand the grip of the automated arm of the waste truck. The efficiency of a fully automated system is supported by the use of standardized garbage carts for the Town’s more than 10,000 customer stops.

9. Can residents use non-Town issued garbage cans or leave garbage out in plastic bags?

No. Garbage or recycling must be placed in a Town-issued wheeled cart only.

10. When should waste (garbage, recyclables, landscape waste, bulky waste) be placed at the curb?

All waste should be placed at the curb by 6:00 am on collection day but no earlier than 6:00 pm on the evening prior to collection day. Your pick up time may vary based on weather, drivers and equipment.

11. What should residents do with existing carts and garbage cans?

A cart previously purchased from the Town can be retained for use as an extra cart for garbage, or as a recycling cart by adding “Recycling” decals on both sides of the cart, or it can be utilized for landscape waste by adding a “Landscape Waste” decal (all decals are available free of charge by calling 454-9571). Residents may want to drill holes in the bottom of any landscape waste cart to allow drainage.

If the resident does not want to retain the old Town cart, it can be placed (empty and open) at the curb on collection day for pick-up and call the Public Works department at 454-9571 to request pick up. Old carts that weren’t purchased from the Town and garbage cans can also be placed out (empty and open) on collection day for disposal (also call the office to notify us).

12. Should I take my cart with me if I move?

No. Carts provided by the Town in September 2011 should stay with the property. Any cart that the resident purchased from the Town may be taken when moving away.

13. How do I clean my cart?

The carts are made of durable plastic that can be easily cleaned with soap and water. You can use soap and a hose to wash your carts out. Dry the cart by setting it upside down to drain. It is a good idea to rinse your cart out regularly to keep it clean and reduce odors.

14. Where can I store my garbage cart?

Carts should be stored either in the garage or behind the front line of your home. If you live on a corner lot, carts are not allowed to be stored on the corner side of the house unless it is adequately screened from view.