The City of Staunton will be rolling out the first new trash cans to residential customers as part of the trash modernization program across the city in March.
Delivering trash cans to all residents will take approximately two weeks.
Upgrading the curbside refuse program will benefit residents, staff, and the environment. The new policies, enhanced offerings, trash cans, and equipment upgrades will make trash collection safer for crews, combat increasing landfill costs and improve efficiency.
The first phase of this trash modernization program will impact only residential customers outside of the Central Business District.
What’s new?
- New city-owned trash bins: Each service address will receive a new trash bin to use on their collection day. Trash must be bagged and placed inside the bin. It will be picked up using mechanical tippers that have been installed on the back of the city’s refuse trucks. The majority of residents will receive the default 95-gallon trash bin unless they opted for the smaller 45-gallon bin in earlier surveys. If you would like to change bin sizes after rollout, reach out to Public Works: 540-332-3892.
- Yard waste program: Later this spring, residents will also have the option to enroll in a monthly yard waste program to help reduce volume in regular trash cans and keep yard waste out of the landfill. Interested customers can sign up using an online form (coming soon) or by calling public works. After a refundable, one-time deposit of $50, an additional 95-gallon bin, marked specifically for yard waste, will be delivered to the address. These bins will typically be picked up on the first Wednesday of each month.
- Expanded heavy trash collection: Starting this year, heavy trash will be collected twice a year, one week in the spring and one week in the fall. Currently, this service is only provided once a year.
- Bag tags for extra trash: For occasional overflow, customers are encouraged to purchase bag tags ($1 per tag) and place them on any extra trash bags that won’t fit in the bin with the lid fully closed. Bag tags can be purchased in City Hall or at Public Works. Each service address will receive five complimentary bag tags with their new trash can.
Other key details
- Extra bin: Public Works is asking that residents try using the single bin delivered in March, while taking advantage of the Recycling Center to cut down on their trash volume. Customers that find they routinely have too much trash for one 95-gallon bin have the option of adding a second 95-gallon bin to their refuse service for an additional fee of $12 per month. Reach out to Public Works to sign up: 540-332-3892.
- Regional Landfill: Staunton residents have free access to the Augusta Regional Landfill. For more information check the website and disposal guide.
- What to do with your old trash can? Repurpose your old trash can for recycling storage, composting, or tool storage to stay environmentally friendly. If you wish to dispose of it, clearly mark it as trash and the city will collect it for disposal at the landfill. They cannot be recycled.
More information
Public Works anticipates a brief adjustment period as crews and residents transition to the new system. For more details on the program, including a full FAQ, visit www.staunton.va.us/StauntonTrashTalk.
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Chris Graham
