Show All Answers

1. I am a homeowner who lives along a public road. How do I order my new containers for trash and recycling?

Unless you prefer small containers, you do not need to. Single family homes that currently get City-contracted solid waste removal will AUTOMATICALLY receive one 96-gallon container for recycling and one 64-gallon container for trash collection. If you would prefer using a 32-gallon container for trash (instead of a 64-gallon container for trash), you can use the Recycling and Trash Container Order Form to request it. Similarly, if your entire household is either over 65 years old or disabled, there is an option for to order a 64-gallon recycling container.

2. I am a homeowner who is 65 years old and I live along a public road. The 96-gallon containers are bigger than what I need for recycling. Can I get a smaller container to use for recycling?

If EVERYONE in your household (spouse, children, etc. ) is either 65 years old or disabled, you can request a 64-gallon container (instead of a 96-gallon container). Use the order form at the bottom of the Trash Collection Update web page to place your order.  

3. I understand that by default, most homeowners get one 64-gallon container for trash. Can I get two 32-gallon containers instead?

No, you cannot order two.  You can request one 32-gallon container, but keep in mind that means you have considerably less space for trash storage.    

4. I tried to order new containers from the online "Recycling and Trash Container Order Form," but my street was not available on the pull down menu. How do I place my order?

This program is designed to provide containers (that are compatible with the new automated collection system) to those residents and businesses that currently receive City-contracted solid waste collection. The City contract provides trash collection along public roads only. For that reason, the streets in most private developments have intentionally been removed from the order form. If you believe your street was removed in error, contact the DPW at by emailing publicworks@laconianh.gov or by calling 603-528-6379.

5. I have a green, 18-gallon toter that I bought from the City. Can I use it for curbside pick up after April 1st?

No. The new automated  trucks are not designed to pick up the small toters like these.  

6. How should the new containers be left out on collection day?

Place your containers along the road at least 3 feet apart from each other, parked cars, trees, mailboxes and utility poles.  Avoid places where there are low hanging tree branches or power lines, etc.. The containers should be upright with the hinge of the lid oriented away from the street. Keep in mind that a mechanical arm is going to reach out and grab your container, so they should not be left out back to back. For more information, see the Curbside Placement Guide.

 

7. Can I leave cardboard boxes out for curbside collection as long as they are next to my recycling bin?

No.  The driver will not get out of the truck to collect cardboard boxes that are beside the containers. All recycling must fit inside its container so that the lid closes. You may need to cut boxes into smaller pieces so that it fits. Another option for residents and businesses , is to bring carboard boxes to the transfer station,  or to the corrugated carboard collection point at 257 Messer Street.

8. Since we are getting new containers, what should we do with our old ones?

In late April, after the new containers have been delivered, you will have opportunity to put signs ("TAKE WITH TRASH") on your unwanted containers and they will be disposed of. However, the old containers belong to you, so you might want to repurpose them. Here are a few possibilities:

• Use your unwanted trash container for storage. They work great to store garden tools: shovels, rakes, hoes, stakes, . . . . If it has a good lid, it can be an excellent means to store bird seed without letting mice in. Trash containers work well to keep kindling dry too.
• Give them to a friend who lives in a in a private development or in another town. Trash and recycling containers can be costly. You could easily save your friend $100 or more.
• Make a rain barrel. See the You Tube video: "How to make a Rain Barrel out of a Garbage Can."
• Make an outdoor composter. A couple different approaches to outdoor composting can be seen on You Tube: "DIY Trash Can Compost Bin" and "Are Trash Can Composters Worth it?"
• Make a planter.
• Flip it up-side-down to use as a portable table.