[responsive_youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zP7Ag175L4]
In preparation for the new trash schedule that goes into effect on July 1st, Public Works presented this week to the North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) to explain how the collection changes will be implemented.
Beginning July 1st, North End residential trash AND recycling will be collected on Mondays and Fridays only, starting at 7 a.m. Trash will no longer be collected on Wednesdays. (Recycling pickup on Mondays is new.) Residents can put out trash curbside starting at 5 p.m. on the day before pickup.
In response to petitions and neighborhood interest in having same day morning trash placement with a later pickup time, Public Works officials said that the contract bids were not cost effective to make such a change. As such, residents will still be allowed to place trash on the streets starting at 5pm the day before pickup (Sunday and Thursday nights). Public Works believes that moving to a 2+2 plan (2 days of both trash and recycling pickup) and eliminating Wednesdays will help reduce the time trash will be on the streets versus the current 3 day schedule. Residents will be encouraged to put out trash in the morning rather than the night before, but this is only voluntary.
The new trash contract includes a change in contractors to Sunshine Scavengers. They are expected to have personnel follow the trucks to pickup any remaining trail behind the pickups. Recycling should be put out in clear bags while regular trash can be put out in 2-ply bags (of any color) or containers.
City Hall has also engaged at least 2 new hoakeys (manual cleaners) for the North End during the summer months.
Below is a flyer being distributed with more details on the change. Please also watch the video presentation above to the Neighborhood Council on June 9th for more discussion regarding the new schedule, as well as associated issues with fining and proper trash containers/bags.
Residential Trash / Recycling
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Beginning July 1, 2014, North End residential trash and recycling will be collected on Mondays and Fridays only. Please note the added recycling day. Trash will no longer be collected on Wednesdays.
- Trash must be placed for collection no later than 7:00AM on the scheduled day. Late placement contributes to missed pick-ups. Trash/Recycling cannot be placed curbside for pickup any earlier than 5 PM on the preceding evening. However, residents are urged to place trash out on the morning of pick-up by 7:00am, rather than the night before. This will significantly reduce the opportunity for spillage and rodent foraging.
- It is illegal to place residential trash at street corners. Trash must be placed on the curbside in front of the residence or in rear alleys for collection, depending on your street’s current collection method.
- Properly and securely containing your trash and recycling is the most critical component of keeping your neighborhood clean. Trash must be placed in a container with a lid or a sturdy trash bag. Please note that many kitchen trash bags are too thin and not compliant.
- Beacon Hill has single-stream recycling and all eligible recycling materials can now be co-mingled and placed out for collection in a clear plastic bag. These are available at most retail supermarkets. The City has formally discontinued distribution of the small recycling blue bins and encourages neighbors to use only the clear plastic bags for their recycling.
- It is illegal to utilize City sidewalk litter barrels or solar-powered compactors for the disposal of residential or commercial trash and carries a fine of up to $1,000 per day. No building or construction materials shall be put out for residential collection.
- Failure to comply with the above regulations will result in fines issued by the Code Enforcement Division. Offenses may be reported to the Mayor’s Hotline at 617-635-4500.
- Comprehensive trash and recycling guidelines, including a listing of recyclables can be found at www.cityofboston.gov/publicworks.
General Cleanliness
- Residents and merchants are responsible for picking up any loose litter on the sidewalk and gutter areas in front of their properties.
- Dumpsters must have lids and be closed at all times.
- Pet owners are responsible for picking up after their pets and following proper disposal methods.
Reporting City Service Requests
Residents can report service requests on a wide variety of maintenance and other City-related issues in your neighborhood.
- Through the Citizens Connect program, residents can use their mobile phones in five different ways to alert the City of Boston to neighborhood issues such as potholes and graffiti. For application download and to start reporting, please access Citizens Connect at the City’s website at www.cityofboston.gov.
- Residents can also call the Mayor’s Hotline at 617-635-4500 or report on-line service requests at www.cityofboston.gov . All available 24/7/365.
- Residents can register for electronic posted street sweeping schedule reminders by accessing the NO-TOW link at www.cityofboston.gov/publicworks.
