Frequently Asked Questions
Overview -- Trash collection -- Recycling Collection -- Additional or Overflow items -- Bulky Waste -- Weather -- Yard Waste
OVERVIEW
What is automation?
In automation, a cart is picked up and emptied using an automated or robotic arm. This allows for both operational and financial efficiencies in trash collection. Automation is relatively new to the New England area, but is a standard method of collection on the West Coast and in Mid-west regions.
How will automation work?
The City of Newton will provide each household, at no additional cost to the residents, with one 64-gallon blue cart for trash and one 64-gallon green cart for recycling to be delivered to the site of current solid waste collection. On the regularly scheduled collection days, residents will place their carts at curbside.
When did the automated collection program begin?
The week of October 5, 2009. Flyers were sent out at the end of August and carts and brochures were delivered in September.
I just moved in, how do I get carts?
Carts belong to the the City of Newton and should have been left by the previous owner/tenant. If there are no carts at your property, please contact Environmental Affairs at 617.796.1471. It could take up to two weeks to receive delivery of carts, so please plan accordingly.
How many carts will I get?
Each legal household unit will receive one blue cart for trash and one green cart for recycling, free of charge. Wondering how your property is assessed? Please check the Assessor's Database.
How big are the carts?
A 64-gallon cart is approximately 41 inches high, 26 inches wide, 28 inches deep, and will hold approximately 5 kitchen trash bags.
Who will own this cart?
The City of Newton retains ownership of this cart. However, residents are responsible for ensuring their cleanliness. If a resident moves, even if it is to another part of the City, the cart stays with the address to which it has been assigned for the next resident.
What is the policy for damaged carts?
If the damage is a result of normal wear and tear (ex. broken lid or wheel), the City will replace or repair the cart at no charge to the resident. Please call our contractor, Waste Management, at 800.972.4545 to report a damaged cart.
If damage is a result of abuse, the charge to replace the cart will be the responsibility of the resident.
Why can’t I use my regular barrels?
Only the City provided cart may be placed at the curb for collection. Residents can no longer use your current trash barrels due to the manner in which the new cart is collected. The new automated system allows for an arm to extend from the truck, attach to the cart, pick up the cart and empty it into the truck. The driver will not leave the truck.
What do I do with my old barrels and recycling bins?
You can use them for yard waste collection (yard waste stickers available at City Hall) or for storage in your garage/basement.
You can also turn a trash barrel into a compost bin by drilling holes! For more information, check out our composting how-to guide!
How do I place my cart on the curb?
Place carts at least 4 feet from obstacles such as utility poles, mail boxes, other carts, trees, fire hydrants, parked cars, etc. and ensure that it is easily accessible. The automated arm has to be able to reach the cart. Make sure the cart handle and wheels face the house. Dumping the cart backwards can break or damage the lid. If possible place the cart at the end of the driveway.
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TRASH COLLECTION
Which cart is for trash?
BLUE carts: non-recyclable household trash
GREEN carts: all paper products and glass, metal, and plastic containers. Click here for more details.
What about large items I can’t fit in my cart?
Large oversized items, such as couches, chairs, mattresses, tables, carpets (cut and rolled to lenghts of 4 ft or less), wood, etc. The collection of these items is still available to residents but is now by appointment only by calling DPW at 617-796-1000 BEFORE your collection day and is limited to FIVE (5) items per week. Place the bulky item at curbside on your collection day. It is collected by a separate truck. Place these items away from the cart so there is no interference with the cart collection.
Click here for more information on bulky or overflow items.
If these items are reusable, please check with a charitable organization so they can be used by others, check out our donation listings here.
If I use bags for my trash, how many bags will each cart hold?
A 64-gallon cart holds approximately 5 average filled 13 gallon, 3-25 gallon, and 2-33 gallon trash bags.
I am elderly or disabled and can not transport a large cart. Can I get a smaller one?
We ask that people try to maneuver their cart. If there is still a problem, please contact Environmental Affairs at 617-796-1471.
What if a condominium or apartment building uses barrels or a dumpster? Where shall I place a new cart for collection?
The carts must be placed so that they are accessible to the automated truck at curbside. Speak to your condo association or property manager about placement.
If your condominium or apartment building uses a dumpster, the building will continue to have dumpster service; however, units will be upheld to the same standards as single family households. In addition, the City will be checking for recycling participation and your building will be required to supply additional capacity for recycling. Please contact Environmental Affairs at 617.796.1471 for additional information.
My cart is dirty. Can I get a replacement?
The housekeeping of this cart is the responsibility of the homeowner. If you bag all your trash, maintenance is minor. As with your previous barrels, occasional washing with soap and water or a little disinfectant will keep your cart sanitary and vermin-free.
What will I do with my old barrels?
You can use them for yard waste collection (yard waste stickers available at City Hall) or for storage in your garage/basement.
You can also turn a trash barrel into a compost bin by drilling holes! For more information, check out our composting how-to guide!
Is this cart animal proof?
This is the most animal proof cart available.
This new cart won’t fit into my garage. Can I keep it outside?
Yes, place it alongside your home, garage or shed but not in your front yard.
I don’t make a lot of trash. Can I use a smaller cart?
We encourage you to use the 64-gallon cart as there may be times when you may need a larger cart. If you would prefer a smaller cart, please call Environmental Affairs at 617-796-1471.
Will current placement of my carts change because of automated collection?
No, the current placement will remain the same unless, of course, there is a major obstruction. Carts must be placed at least 4 feet from obstacles such as utility poles, mail boxes, other carts, trees, fire hydrants, parked cars, etc. and ensure that it is easily accessible. The automated arm has to be able to reach the cart. Make sure the cart handle and wheels face the house. Dumping the cart backwards can break or damage the lid. If possible place the cart at the end of the driveway.
Does the automated collection cart have any other benefits?
Yes, they do. Besides helping the City look neater they also control the rodent and other animal issues. These carts ensure that trash is no longer a food source.
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RECYCLING COLLECTION
How will recycling change?
You will no longer separate recyclables as you currently do. All paper products and bottles and cans, etc. will be placed in the same container. You will find that you will recycle more materials due to the automated trash cart. You will now use the green 64-gallon cart for all your recyclables.
What should I do with my green recycling bins?
Use them for storage or you can bring then to Rumford Avenue for reuse. If they are in good shape, see if the school in your neighborhood could use them.
Is there a limit in the quantity of acceptable recyclable materials that can be placed at the curb each week?
No, it is unlimited! If you need an additional GREEN recycling cart, please call Environmental Affairs at 617.796.1471 to request an addtional cart (35-gallons or 64-gallons).
By the way, where do my recyclables go?
Your recyclables are brought to a recycling processing facility where the material is sorted, packaged and sent to vendors to remanufacture the material for use in other products.
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ADDITIONAL OR OVERFLOW TRASH
Ok, so the City will give me one cart at no charge. What will happen if all my trash doesn't fit into the cart?
Providing 1 free cart per household is an equitable solution to trash collection. In several of surveys conducted in Newton, most recently in the pilot program, most residents could use the one 64-gallon cart for their trash needs. The more you recycle, the less likely you will incur the need to resolve this problem. Also you will need to break, cut, crush, etc. to get material to fit into the cart. However, if a household disposes more than a 64-gallon cart worth of trash each week, there are two options:
- For occassional overflow trash, you can purchase 33-gallon orange “overflow” bags at stores. These are the only acceptable bags for extra trash collection in Newton. Click here for a list of stores.
- For regular amount of overflow trash, you can purchase an extra cart for an annual fee. An extra 35-gallon cart will be $150 annually and extra 64-gallon carts will be $200 annually. Payment of the annual fee must be current.
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LARGE BULKY AND MOVE-OUT ITEMS
What about bulky items and appliances?
Large, bulky oversized items, such as couches, chairs, mattresses, tables, carpets (cut and rolled to lenghts of 4 ft or less), wood, etc., are considered bulky waste. The collection of these items is still available to residents but is now by appointment only by calling DPW at 617-796-1000 by 3:30 pm the business day BEFORE your collection day and is limited to FIVE (5) items per week. Place the bulky item(s) curbside on your collection day. It is collected by a separate truck. Place these items away from the cart so there is no interference with the cart collection. Click here for more information on bulky items.
Appliances require a special collection. Please click here for information on appliance and electronics collection.
However, if these items are in good condition:
1. Go online to 2good2waste.com/Newton to list the items for giveaway or to another on-line service.
2. Sell the items at a yard sale
3. Give the items to charity, please see our reuse and donation listings.
I am moving and need to dispose of more trash than I can fit in my cart. What should I do?
There are several options. You can:
1. Begin to dispose of trash in advance of the move
2. Sell the items at a yard sale
3. Go online to 2good2waste.com/Newton to list the items for giveaway or to another on-line service.
4. Give the items to charity, please see our reuse and donation listings.
5. Purchase 33-gallon orange “overflow” bags at stores. These are the only acceptable bags for extra trash collection in Newton. Check back for a listing of locations.
6. Rent a dumpster (they come as small as two cubic yards)
7. Hire a private company to assist you in the disposal
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WEATHER
Will the City still come to pick up my trash and recycling during inclement weather?
Yes. This will not change from current practices. Carts must be out at curbside by 7 AM on the day of your collection.
Won't these new carts blow over more easily since they are larger?
The new automated carts are very stable. These carts, when empty, can withstand winds up to 35-45 mph empty. In addition, the lids are attached so they won't blow away.
Can this cart roll through the snow?
Yes it can. Just like dragging your trash barrels to the curb now. It is easier to roll the cart in the snow than to drag the trash barrel. You may want to clear a path to the curb as many people currently do.
What if it is snowing so hard and the snow is so deep that I can’t roll the cart to the curb?
Every effort is made to collect trash and recycling on days with inclement weather. As with current practices you should make every effort to place your cart curbside. The other option, as many people currently choose, is to hold your trash until the following week.
Where do I place my cart if there is a snow bank?
As with current operations, the solid waste collection personnel are not required to climb snow banks. Place the trash cart at the end of your driveway or in a place that has easy access.
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YARD WASTE
Will there also be a change in my yard waste collection?
No, yard waste collection remains the same. Please click here for Yard Waste collection guidelines.
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