Q1: Why wasn't my trash picked up?
A: Some of the most common problems and solutions are:
A. Late setout. Your curbside collected solid waste (refuse, recycling or compost) was set out after 7 a.m. on the collection date. (Set materials out before 7 a.m. the next week, or even the night before the collection day.)
B. Overflow. Your trash didn't fit into the your A2 Cart. Be sure to recycle as much as possible (That option is unlimited and free). Then, save the dry trash for the next week; or see #3 below. If you consistently have more trash than fits into your trash cart, order additional carts from the Customer Service Center (734) 994-2807. An annual fee will be added to your water bill to cover the additional trash capacity.
C. Oversized and bulky trash. Unwanted sofas, appliances, mattresses, televisions, etc. Call to arrange for a for a private hauler or take to the Drop-Off Station.
D. No Compostables in plastic bags--use paper bags. Plastic bags are acceptable for refuse, but not for yard waste. (Put compostables in marked cans, paper bags or tie into bundles (see acceptable compost containers) and set out next week.)
E. Dumpster problems. Your dumpster was blocked by a vehicle, snow or furniture (see dumpster maintenance). Or, your dumpster contained prohibited materials. (Notify the Call Center at 994-2807, to clarify problem, resolve before next week’s scheduled service.)
F. Prohibited materials. Your solid waste contains prohibited materials or improperly prepared medical waste, paint or animal waste (see special refuse materials preparation). (Please correct problems so materials may be safely handled the next week.)
7. Holiday. It was one of the six holidays/year observed by the collection drivers. (Check the holiday collection schedule. Collection routes will be serviced one day later following the holiday.)
G. We made a mistake. We’re sorry. Please contact the Customer Service Center at 994-2807 and leave description of your missed refuse, compostables or commercial recyclables as well as your address and phone number. Call Recycle Ann Arbor at 662-6288 for missed residential recyclables.
2: How can I get free recycling bins?
A: See How to get recycling bins.
3: How do I get rid of televisions and computer monitors?
A: See the computer and television recycling fact sheet.
4: How do I get rid of household hazardous waste, such as motor oil, or oil paints?
A: See the HomeToxics page or contact Washtenaw County's Home Toxics Collection Center at 222-3950.
5: When is my curbside trash and recycling pickup day?
A: See the Curbside Collection Map. Remember everything needs to be at the curb BEFORE 7 a.m.
6: What do I do with my unwanted old sofa and
refrigerator?
A: See Bulky waste management.
7: What items can I put in my recycling bin?
A: See the Recycling Guide PDF.
15: How should I responsibly handle my dog droppings and cat litter? Is it OK to put these materials in my compostable collection container?
A: Animal waste and diapers must be double-bagged in plastic before placing into your A2 Cart or dumpster. These items are not allowed to be placed in with compostables.
8: How come I can't recycle things like paper cups and napkins?
A: Paper cups have a thin layer of plastic which is difficult to remove and is a contaminant in the recycling process. Items like paper towels and napkins are made from very low quality paper, which cannot be made into more paper. In addition, paper cups, paper plates, napkins, and paper towels are usually contaminated with food, dirt, or chemicals.
9: Why can't I recycle plastics like yogurt tubs, trays, and plastic grocery bags, even if they are labeled as a #1 or #2 plastic?
A: Items like yogurt tubs, trays, and plastic grocery bags are manufactured differently than plastic narrow-necked bottles. Additional chemicals are necessary for this manufacturing process -- chemicals which will ruin a batch of bottles when they are recycled! Some special items (specific plastic bags, Styrofoam, etc.) are collected for recycling at the Drop-Off Station only, as part of pilot programs offered by Recycle Ann Arbor.
10: I am not able to carry my trash to the curb anymore. What should I do? Can you help me?
A: Please contact the Customer Service Center at 994-2807, to discuss arranging a side-door, disabled collection of refuse and recyclables from your home.
11: I have poor vision and cannot read the Waste Watcher newsletter.
A: Please contact the Call Center at 994-2807, for a large-type fact sheet of information.
12: I have questions about the city's A2 Trash Carts and Compost Carts.
A: Please consult www.a2gov.org/carts for more information.
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Other Qs? Contact customerservice@a2gov.org