Beginning September 5, 2023, Waste Management is moving to curbside-only collection with automated trucks. Additionally, recycling collection will be every other week rather than the current schedule of every week.
Q: Why are we making the change?
A: Waste Management is switching equipment to truck with automatic lifting arms to make collection more efficient, cleaner and safer for the community and their drivers. The automated arms cannot be used in the alleys due to overhead utility lines. Additionally, the switch to automated trucks will help to minimize the impact of continually increasing costs of services to businesses and residents.
Q: What does curbside collection mean? Where do I put my garbage cart?
A: If you currently place your recycling out for pickup, the easiest answer would be in the same place that recycling is collected, but not within three (3) feet of any other container or obstruction. Place the cart on the parkway as close to the curb as possible with wheels of the cart towards the house. In the event that this is not possible, in the street as close to the curb as possible is acceptable.
Q: Will my collection day change?
A: Your collection day will not change. Please see the calendar on our website at www.cityofzion.com/garbage_changes for detailed schedules.
Q: What are the changes to recycling collection?
A: Beginning Sept. 5, 2023, recycling will be collected every other week. Please see the calendar on our website at www.cityofzion.com/garbage_changes for detailed schedules. Remember to place your recyclables directly into the bin – don’t bag your recyclables. Flatten all cardboard boxes and make sure any containers are free from food or liquid.
Q: How are bulk items handled?
A: Bulk items are large items such as couches, chairs, mattresses tables and other furniture that are reasonable managed by one person and weigh less than 50 lbs. Bulk items do not include white goods or electronics, including televisions. Waste Management will pickup all bulk items at no additional charge, however Waste Management must be contacted to make arrangement for collection of these bulk items. No items outside of waste containers will be collected without special arrangement. Contact 800-796-9696 to make arrangements for bulk pickup.
Q: How are cart repairs and/or replacements handled?
A: Each residential unit has been provided an acceptable waste and recycling container. If a cart is damaged or destroyed during provision of service or through ordinary wear and tear, it will be replaced or repaired at no charge. However, if a cart is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed through no fault of Waste Management, the occupant of the residential unit shall be billed at the fair market value for the replacement of the cart. Contact 800-796-9696 for arrangement of cart repair or replacement.
Q: Can I get bigger waste or recycling carts or additional carts?
A: If you currently have a 65-gallon cart, you can up-size your cart to a 96-gallon cart from October 1-31st for free. You may also rent an additional cart for $3 per month (billed quarterly by Waste Management). Contact 800-796-9696 to schedule any changes in cart sizes. Subsequent to this transition period, cart sizes may be changed during May of each year at no charge. Otherwise, there will be a $35 fee charged by Waste Management.
Q: When can carts be put out? When do they need to be taken back in?
A: Carts shall be placed at the collection location no earlier than 5:00 p.m. the day prior to scheduled collection and no later than 6:00 a.m. the day of scheduled collection. Carts shall be returned to private property the day of collection.
Q: Has yard waste collection changed?
A: Yard waste collection has also moved to curbside collection. Yard waste includes grass, leaves, clippings and small branches. Dirt, sand, rocks, concrete, sod, stumps and similar materials will not be collected. Yard waste is to be placed next to your trash cart in biodegradable bags or a can with handles clearly identified by the resident as being for yard waste. Bags or cans are to be no larger than 32-gallons and must weigh less than 50 lbs.
Q: How is my schedule affected by holidays?
A: Please note, If your service day falls on or follows one of these observed holidays, your service will be delayed by one day for that week only:
Labor Day: September 4, 2023 Thanksgiving Day: November 23, 2023
Christmas Day: December 25, 2023 New Year’s Day: January 1, 2024
Memorial Day: May 27, 2024 Independence Day: July 4, 2024
Labor Day September 2, 2024 Thanksgiving Day: November 28, 2024
Q: Are there any changes to the leaf vacuuming program?
A: For the 2023 calendar year, Waste Management will be making four (4) passes by each residential unit during the Fall. Leaves need to be placed in the parkway, and not in the streets, within four (4) feet of the curb. The leaf collection in the Fall will normally occur during the month of November. After the 2023 calendar year, Waste Management will no longer provide leaf vacuum services and vacuuming services will be discontinued.
Q: What are “white goods”?
A: White goods, which are not allowed for regular disposal in weekly waste collection, are detailed in 415 ILCS 5/22.28 and are generally known as refrigerators, ranges, water heaters, freezers, air conditioners, humidifiers and similar appliances. White goods are allowed to be collected with special bulk item arrangement (call 800-796-9696) provided all refrigerants, freon or any components containing mercury are removed and stickered by a certified technician.
Q: What is excluded from collection?
A: Excluded waste is any regulated quantity of a Hazardous Waste or Hazardous Substance as defined by federal, state or local laws or regulations; containerized wastes, the contents of which are not able to be identified; sludges; waste from a pollution control process or cleanup of a spill of a chemical substance or commercial product; waste tires; biohazards or regulated medical waste; friable asbestos; construction and demolition waste; soil, sod, tree branches and stumps; paint; motor oil; excessive storm debris or debris resulting from weather events such as hurricanes or tropical storms; or any item too large or heavy to be contained within a 96-gallon Cart; or any waste or material that is prohibited from being received, managed or disposed of at the disposal facility.
Q: Can I put out my Christmas tree for collection?
A: Christmas trees will be collected on the scheduled day of collection from December 26 through January 20 of each year. Christmas trees must be clean (e.g., no ornaments, lights, tinsel), unbagged and under 6 feet in length (or cut in 2 pieces, each under 6 feet in length, if tree is greater than 6 feet tall).
Q: If I am physically disabled (temporary or permanent), what accommodations can be made?
A: Waste Management provides for carry out service at no additional charge for those that are unable to move garbage carts to the curb because of a health condition and live with no other person that can take the carts to the curb. To qualify, individuals must contact 847-746-4026 and complete the necessary form.
Q: Who should I contact with questions?
A: Please contact customer service at 800-796-9696