Rockford's new garbage cans are coming. Here's what you need to know about how to use them
Chris Green
City of Rockford residents are in the process of receiving new garbage and recycling bins. Here's what you need to know about the new wheeled carts and how to use them.
Why am I get getting new garbage and recycling cans?
The new cans are designed to lifted mechanically by garbage trucks to help refuse workers do their jobs safely and efficiently. The attached lids help keep garbage protected from animals and weather, and the handle allows for easy maneuvering.
What will I get?
Rockford residents will receive a 96-gallon refuse cart and a 65-gallon recycling cart. Both carts feature a permanently attached, hinged lid and handle and are designed to be lifted mechanically by garbage trucks.
How much will it cost?
Area residents will be charged an extra 75 cents each month on their water and garbage bills for the next five years. According to the city, the fee will be renegotiated after five years.
I haven't gotten them yet. How long will it take?
Crews started delivering the new carts on Monday. They are delivering thousands of carts each day, but it may take up to 12 weeks to get all of the carts delivered across the city.
What about the blue recycling bins?
The new 65-gallon brown recycling cart is replacing the old blue recycling bins. Residents are being asked to place all of their recyclable items into the new, larger recycling cart.
What goes in the new recycling cart?
Recyclable materials include glass bottles and jars, aluminum and steel cans, food and beverage cartons, paper products (including newspapers and flattened cardboard), and empty plastic bottles and containers free of food.
What doesn't go in the new recycling cart?
Items that cannot be recycled include plastic bags, plastic wrap, paper towels, pizza boxes, large items including electronics, wood, propane tanks, scrap metal and Styrofoam, batteries, clothing and shoes, shredded paper, food, liquids, needles and televisions or monitors.
New recycling and trash carts were delivered to my home, but I do not want them. Will you take them back?
No. Residents must use the new carts delivered for recycling and garbage moving forward.
How should the carts be placed at the curb?
Both the garbage and recycling cart should be placed on the street with the wheels against the curb, 3 feet apart and 3 feet away from other objects such as vehicles.
What should I do with my old garbage cans and recycling bins?
Residents can keep their bins and use for extra recyclables or for other household uses. If broken, a note can be left directing it to be collected for recycling on collection day.
Chris Green is a Rockford Register Star general assignment reporter. He can be reached at 815-987-1241, via email at cgreen@rrstar.com and Twitter .