Time to Talk Trash

By: Sharon Aron Baron

At our Homeowner’s Association meeting, representatives from Waste Management talked trash and answered questions from members of the section’s boards.

Overall, many people are satisfied with their service, however, there are some instances that have been reported where trash or yard waste has not been picked up.  It is those instances that WM directs residents to contact customer service and a truck would be called out.   Waste Management heavily monitors all routes with GPS as well as equips each vehicle with a camera and will make sure that homes are not overlooked in the future.

Another concern are carts that are left in disarray after pickup.  Carts are left toppled over or lying in the street.  WM explained that because of the mechanical arm of the machine, if the carts being placed too close together on both garbage pickup and recycling, the second pickup of the day will cause the first cart to be pushed aside to gain access.  They recommend that both carts are placed a cart’s length apart in the mornings, so that the arm can gain access to each.

Other good news:  If you have a cart that you feel is too large or small for your needs, now is the time to change them out.   Between October 1 – January 1 homeowners can decrease the size of their cans. Want a bigger can?  You can upgrade it at anytime throughout the year!  This is good news for those that have increased their recycling.  Just call (866) 684-3142 and speak to a customer service representative.  They will give you a confirmation number and have you place old cart on curb and exchange it for the new size.  You may only make changes one time only.

In Tamarac you can choose from three different size carts. Photo courtesy City of Tamarac.

Waste Management reminds residents that carts must be out by 8 a.m.  Typically, they do not arrive before that time, so it is safe to roll out your carts in the morning.

Bulk trash is accepted on Monday mornings in the Woodlands.  This includes objects such as appliances, furniture, mattresses, sink basin, toilet, small cabinets, closet shelving.    They will even collect a washer, dryer, stove, refrigerator or air conditioner!

Other examples could include limited quantities of yard waste and construction debris.  Yard waste may be placed in the cart, however, if it’s not in the cart, it must meet the following requirements:

• The weight shall not exceed 50 pounds
• The material must be less than four feet in length and less than four inches in diameter (single piece)
• The material shall be neatly stacked, tied or secured in such a manner that prevents spillage when collected.
• Contractors/Landscapers must remove any debris they generate

Don’t forget: Once your trash is picked up, no one wants to see your cart.  No one.  So put it in your garage, or hide it behind your home.  No, the front of your garage is not your dumpster.   So don’t make the facade of your home look like one.

You can contact Waste Management at (954) 974-7500.