Trash Update

Stratford’s New Automated Garbage Collection Program

Each household with Town garbage pickup will receive FREE OF CHARGE a 96-gallon, dark green garbage collection container and a 96-gallon blue recycling container referred to as a “cart.” These containers will be distributed to residents over a three-week period starting at the beginning of August. For those households that wish to use a container smaller than 96-gallons, a 64-gallon cart may be requested by contacting Public Works at 203-385-4080 or [email protected]. 

Collection using these carts will begin the week of SEPTEMBER 2^nd. Continue to use your current garbage and recycling cans until then..

The carts are Town property and are assigned to each household using an individual serial number that corresponds to the specific address. The dark green cart can ONLY be used for garbage and is the ONLY container that can be used to place garbage at the curb. Any household garbage that does not fit in the cart may be brought to the Transfer Station during regular hours of operation. The blue cart will ONLY be used for recycling.

Pickup for the Automated Garbage and Recycling Collection Program will remain the same. There will be NO changes to your current collection day and week.

The Automated Garbage Collection Program is a major improvement in the way we collect household garbage. We are committed to ensuring Stratford residents receive the best possible solid and recycling waste service. For more information, please contact the Public Works Department at 203-385-4080. 

YOUR COLLECTION DAY FOR TRASH AND RECYCLING WILL NOT CHANGE

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Automated Garbage Collection Program?

The Automated Garbage Collection Program utilizes automated garbage trucks with advanced collection technology and specially designed garbage containers (“carts”) to safely and efficiently collect curbside household solid waste and recycling.

Will a 96-gallon container be sufficient and may I request a smaller size?

Experience and research have shown that the 96-gallon cart distributed to residents should handle all reasonable household garbage and recycling needs. For those households that wish to use a container smaller than 96-gallons, a 64-gallon cart may be requested by contacting Public Works at 203-385-4080 or [email protected]. Please know that Public Works WILL NOT empty a privately purchased cart or any other curbside container or bags not supplied by the Town – NO EXCEPTIONS. 

 Where do I place my cart on collection days?

Always place the cart at the curb or where the pavement begins. Signage on the lids of the carts provides placement instructions. ARROWS on the cart’s lid should point toward the street. If your container is too far off the curb and there is a parked car nearby, the garbage truck may not be able to access/see your cart, and your garbage will not be picked-up. Please leave at least a 4-foot space between the cart and obstacles such as your Town-supplied recycling cart, street signs, parked cars, hydrants, trees, snow piles, or any other object that could obstruct the lifting and dumping of the cart by the truck operator. The cart(s) will be returned to the location where it was originally placed.

 Do carts work in inclement weather?

The Automated Garbage Collection system has proven to work well in all types of weather, including rain and snow, and can withstand winds up to 45 mph. The specifically designed, non-removable hinged lids prevent them from being lost, run over, or blown away. The carts have smooth surfaces and lids to impede animals from getting into the container.

 What kind of waste can I put in the GREEN cart?

The green cart is designed to hold normal household garbage. ALL trash must be bagged, the contents must fit completely inside the cart and the lid MUST BE CLOSED. Do NOT place hazardous waste, flammable items, fluorescent bulbs/tubes, bulky items, paint or liquids of any kind, recyclables, or any other material other than garbage in your cart. The operator can view whatever is in the cart as it dumps and will report any violation to the Director of Public Works for further action. Moreover, please do not place any items alongside the cart as they will NOT be collected.

What kind of waste can I put in the BLUE cart?

The BLUE cart is designed to hold recyclable materials ONLY. These materials include:

·        Paper

·        Aluminum (cans, foils and pans)

·        Cardboard (flattened)

·        Smooth cardboard (beverage containers, cereal, cracker and egg cartons)

·        Plastic bottles (jugs, jars and tubs)

·        Glass (bottles and jars)

·        Paper bags

Rinse items containing food before placing them in the cart. DO NOT place recyclable in plastic bags. 

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE NOT RECYCABLE:

·        Plastic bags

·        Plastic plates, cups, bowls and utensils

·        Pane glass

·        Lightbulbs

·        Aerosol cans

·        Pump spray nozzles

·        Caps or lids

·        Batteries

·        Wax coated paper

·        Chemical containers

·        Styrofoam

·        Helium and Propane tanks

·        Food/soiled cardboard

·        Motor oil or chemicals

What do I do if my cart is damaged, lost or stolen? Do not mark or write on the cart. A serial number stamped on each container identifies the container and corresponds to the property and street address. Please notify the Public Works Department if the cart is damaged, lost or stolen in order to arrange for the purchase of a new cart.