smaller recycling bin

[pam]

Am I out of the loop and missed information?? Got home Monday and my recycling bin had been replaced (along with all the others on my block) with a bin that is at least 1/3 smaller. I am assuming they aren’t picking up any more often and I don’t want to pile recycling next to the bin which will be full in no time. Are they going to start charging for recycling that doesn’t fit in the bin? Just trying to understand the reasoning..

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[KBear]

They did the same thing to us. We’re not happy, either.

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[Carson]

Call (206) 684-3000, they say they will give you another if you don’t have enough room…

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[miws]

I think I remember reading somewhere here on WSB Forums, or Main Page, that the old bins don’t work properly with the lift mechanisms on the newer trucks, so that’s apparently the main reason for the smaller bins.

Mike

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[Sue]

We’ve talked about this in other threads – I think the story was that the new trucks are not fully compatible with the old carts, and they’re breaking in the machinery. So they’re ultimately replacing them with the blue ones, which are smaller.

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[pam]

Thanks – I don’t want to rehash things, just knew I missed something. I do need my own one back – guess I’ll call.

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[MargL]

I’m not sure we ever got an ‘official’ story from Seattle Public Utilities on this. So, being curious I just called customer service.

They say as far as they know the only time the collection contractor will replace the bins is when they are damaged in some way. I suppose the contractor’s ‘call’ on what constitutes ‘damaged’ is variable.

Also, according to the SPU rep – the containers they’re being replaced with should be the same capacity, either 96 or 64 gallons as your old one. If it’s definitely not and you’re going to regularly fill your container you can request another at no extra charge.

We don’t get billed for recycling, just for yardwaste and garbage. If you only occasionally have a little extra recycling you can put it out next to the recycling can and they’ll pick it up for no extra charge.

‘Course what SPU tells us and the contractors actually -do- is a different story so if you do get weird charges – like for extra units of garbage (check your bill) call and complain.

I was getting extra charges for yardwaste – I had a 64-gallon can but am paying the 96 gallon rate so I was putting out an extra can of yardwaste.

They replaced my yardwaste can with a ’96-gallon’ size -but- the bin really doesn’t look much bigger than the old one! In truth – checking the bin manufacturer’s website it’s only 95 gallons. Shrug.

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[KBear]

MargL, you should get a 1 gallon bucket and put it out next to your 95-gallon yard waste bin! Make sure the most disgusting food waste scraps go in the 1 gallon bucket.

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[Sue]

KBear, believe it or not, there is a rule of not putting yard waste in anything other than the approved cart. See very bottom of the page: http://tinyurl.com/y6nmoob

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[KBear]

Well, there ought to be a rule against the city charging you for services it doesn’t provide. If they’re going to charge for 96 gallons, they owe you a 96 gallon container.

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[alki_2008]

Was it the older greenish/greyish container that was replaced with a blue w/black lid container? If so, then it’s as others have already mentioned…the old containers don’t work with the truck machinery. I believe they will gladly bring you a second blue/black container, but I don’t think they’re going to give you the old container back. Would be nice to know what happens.

Here’s the page to request an additional recycling container (no charge):

http://www.cityofseattle.net/UTIL/Services/Recycling/Recycle_at_Your_House/ManageyourRecyclingService/index.htm

halfway down the page: “Add or Replace a Recycling Container”

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