New Bedford’s New Collection Program for Trash & Recyclables
New Bedford has partnered with ABC Disposal to implement a new curbside collection program for trash and recyclables designed to increase citywide recycling, reduce litter and decrease the amount of trash sent to the Crapo Hill landfill.
Beginning on June 23, 2014 throughout New Bedford, ABC Disposal will collect trash and recycling in wheeled carts. The carts will be emptied by automated trucks with mechanized arms. The new trucks will be fueled by compressed natural gas. Residents and businesses will no longer need to separate recyclable material into multiple bins. Customers will place all recyclable bottles, cans, paper and cardboard in a cart with an orange lid. All acceptable trash will be placed in a cart with a blue lid. Trash and recyclables left outside the carts will not be collected and may result in a fine.
Here are some helpful details about the program:
Why?
The automated collection system will provide many benefits to City residents and local businesses:
• The uniform trash and recycling carts will result in cleaner and neater neighborhoods.
• The wheeled carts are easy to maneuver and come with hinged lids designed to keep trash inside the cart and off the streets.
• The new automated system will eliminate the need for trash collectors to lift trash barrels resulting in improved worker safety.
When?
ABC Disposal will begin to distribute the new wheeled collection carts to City residents and businesses in May. ABC Disposal will collect trash and recycling in the new carts starting the week of June 23rd. Please do not use the carts early; they will not be emptied until the week of June 23rd.
Owners of certain categories of properties are required to pay a fee for the use of the new trash and recycling carts. The deadline for payments is March 31st. Here is the PSA:
What?
Wheeled carts will be distributed as follows:
• Carts will be provided to properties with 1, 2 or 3 dwelling units at no charge to the property owner.
• Owners of properties containing 4, 5 and 6 dwelling units, mixed use buildings, businesses and nonprofits will be required to pay a one-time fee for the use of the carts.
• Any owners, regardless of property type, may pay a one-time fee for the use of additional recycling carts.
How many carts will my property receive?
Keep in mind that a 65-gallon cart is equal to two regular trash barrels and a 95-gallon cart is equal to three regular trash barrels.
What is the fee for the use of the carts?
No cart fee will be assessed for the original carts distributed to properties with one, two and three dwelling units. Cart fees will be assessed for properties with four, five and six dwelling units, mixed use buildings, businesses and nonprofit customers. If you are in a category that is required to pay a fee for the carts, the fee for the use of each 65-gallon cart is $59.18 and each 95-gallon cart is $66.82. The one-time cart fee will be for the life of each cart. To be included in the initial delivery of carts in May and June, the fee must be paid by April 25th. After that, a delivery fee will be added to the cost of each cart.
How will I pay for the use of the carts?
If you are in a category that is required to pay a fee for the carts, please call, visit or email the Department of Facilities and Fleet Management, located at 294 Liberty Street. The phone number is (508) 961-3008 and the email address is trashandrecycling@newbedford-ma.gov. The office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
How will bulky items be collected?
Bulky items will be collected by appointment through ABC Disposal at no charge. Bulky items include couches, wooden furniture, mattresses, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, televisions and computer monitors. Unacceptable items such as construction or demolition waste will need to be brought to a proper recycling facility.
Can I use my regular trash barrels & blue bins when the new program begins?
No – only the carts issued by the City can be used. Trash and recyclables not in the proper carts or left outside the carts will not be collected. After the new program has started, your old trash barrels can either be used for yard waste or recycled at the Shawmut Avenue Transfer Station. There is no change to the yard waste collection program. Blue recycling bins can either be kept or recycled at the Shawmut Avenue Transfer Station.
For more information, contact the Department of Facilities and Fleet Management at (508) 961-3008 or trashandrecycling@newbedford-ma.gov. Also, visit www.newbedford-ma.gov. All photos by photo by Josh Souza.
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