Frequent Asked Questions on the City’s Recycling Transition to Republic Services
As the City of Salisbury Public Works Department begins to transition from Waste Management to Republic Services, below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the transition. The transition will begin on Monday, June 22, through Friday, July 3.
Why is the city changing recycling contractors?
The City of Salisbury recently signed a three-year contract with Republic Services to continue Salisbury’s recycling program after its contract with Waste Management was not renewed.
Why wasn’t the contract with Waste Management renewed?
Waste Management choose not to renew the previous contract at its current recycling rate due to increased costs. In addition, the City of Salisbury was looking for a partnership with our vendor that would help us improve educational efforts on recycling and help find ways to clean up our single stream. Cost was also a factor in the decision. We want to provide the best service at the lowest cost.
How will I receive a new cart during the transition?
Residents should place their Waste Management recycling green cart with the yellow lid at the curb by 7 a.m. on their scheduled service day. After the green cart is emptied, it should be left at the curb to be collected later that day by Waste Management. Residents will then receive a Republic Service blue cart which should be delivered the next day
What if I am out of town during the period of June 22 through July 3?
If residents are out of town during the weeks of June 22, and July 3, please put the Waste Management recycling green cart at the curb and leave it there. This will ensure the cart will be collected and replaced during your absence.
When will this change take place?
The Republic Services contract is set to officially begin on July 6, 2020.
Will I have to do anything differently?
Minus the timing challenges with the collection of old bins and delivery of the new bins, we do not expect a noticeable change in service for recycling collection.
Will my collection day change?
Recycling collection days will remain the same.
Do I keep the same bin or will I get a new one? If new, when will my new bin arrive?
All residents will receive a new recycling bin and a recycling information packet. Please read it carefully.
We will provide the date of your old bin pick up soon. Your new, blue and white bins should arrive sometime just before July 3.
What if I received a Republic Service blue cart but I still have the Waste Management green cart?
If you received a Republic Services blue cart and we did not collect your old, green Waste Management cart, call the Public Works office at (704) 638-5260 to have the green cart collected.
Will I have to pay extra for this change in contractors?
Residents pay a recycling collection fee that is included in the water utility bill. It is anticipated that there will be a slight change in recycling costs in the next budget year that must be voted upon by City Council in June.
Will our routes finally become weekly instead of bi-weekly?
Recycling routes will continue to run bi-weekly.
What if a resident is on the backyard pick up list and physically unable to roll the cart to the curb?
Residents who are on the backyard pickup list will have their cart rolled to the curb by Waste Management Driver. Republic Services has been supplied a list of citizens with backyard service and will switch the cart.
What if a resident did not receive a Republic Service blue cart by Friday, July 3?
Call Salisbury Public Works at (704) 638-5260 to schedule a time for the recycling can swap. Put the Waste Management recycling green cart at the curb and leave it there. A Republic Services blue cart should be delivered the next day.
Can glass be placed in the recycling stream?
Glass will continue to not be collected in the single stream. Glass should be taken to one of the Rowan County drop off sites or can be placed in the trash. To view the Rowan County drop off sites, visit: rowancountync.gov/533/Recycling.
Will you service businesses?
If a business is able to manage a recycling bin like a residential home, you are able to receive recycling services. Please contact 704-638-5300 to set up recycling service.
May I order a second bin?
Yes. Additional bins can be ordered for an additional cost. Please contact 704-638-5260 to order the second bin. There will be no charge for the second bin, but there will be an addition collection fee that will be applied to your monthly bill.
I have never had a recycling bin/My recycling bin was stolen. Will I receive a new bin?
Yes. Every resident in the city limits will receive a new recycling bin. Recycling information pack will be included with your new bin.
What items can I recycle?
Accepted Items include: Office and school papers, catalogs, brown paper bags, junk mail, cleaned plastic bottles/containers, magazines and newspapers, cleaned cans (steel, tin and aluminum), phone books, corrugated cardboard and box and paper board.
What items can’t be recycled?
Unaccepted items include: glass, food, yard waste, scrap metal, frozen food containers, ceramic materials, hazardous items, non-recyclable plastics, plastic trash bags, cloth / clothing, shredded paper, liquids, loose plastic bags and package wrap or any soiled items, pizza boxes, glass bottles and jars (brown, clear, green and blue)
Have recent efforts to clean the stream been effective?
With recent education efforts to inform residents about how to “Recycle Right,” we’ve reduced our contamination rate by 10 tons per month. Our residents should be congratulated. Recycling Right helps to save money and help the environment.
For more information, visit: salisburync.gov/recycling.
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