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Recycling

Show All Answers

1. When do I get my new roll cart?

The new 95-gallon roll carts will be delivered beginning May 30.

2. Is there a fee for the new cart?

No - there is no fee for the new cart.

3. Can I start using my new cart right away?

No - we won’t begin using the new automated trucks until the week of June 6. That way, all residents will begin using their new carts the same week.

4. Will my pickup day change?

There will be no change to your collection day or the frequency of your service. Your pickup day will stay the same and you will still have weekly service.

5. What about holidays?

If your pickup day falls on one of the following holidays, your collection service will be one day late that week:
• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Presidents’ Day
• Memorial Day
• Fourth of July
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

6. Can I still use my old green recycling bin?

While you’re welcome to keep your old bin for other uses, our new automated trucks have a robotic arm that does the lifting and emptying, so you must use the new roll cart.

7. What if I don’t want to keep my old bin?

If you don’t want your old bin, just leave it at the curb on your regular pickup day and we’ll collect it.

8. What if all my recyclables won’t fit inside the roll cart?

Breaking your cardboard boxes down, and cutting large appliance boxes into manageable pieces (3’ x 3’ or smaller) will help preserve space in your cart. Recycle scrap metal, appliances and tires at the curb by placing them outside your recycling container. If you have too much to fit, place the flattened boxes beside your cart or call us at 864-467-4345 and we may arrange a special pickup for you.
Additional roll carts can be purchased for $60. Call us at 467-4345 to order one.

9. What if my new cart gets stolen or damaged?

If your cart is stolen or damaged, call us at 467-4345 to request a new one. A police report may be required for stolen carts.

10. When/how should I put my cart out?

Place your cart at the curb before 7 a.m. on your pickup day. Carts should be placed at least 3 feet away from the curb, 3 feet away from your garbage container and 3 feet away from objects such as cars, trees and mailboxes.
Once it’s emptied, return it to your garage or backyard storage area to keep it safe and clean.

11. Why do I have to place my carts so far away from each other?

Because our new automated trucks have a robotic arm that does the lifting and emptying, our drivers need additional space around the carts in order to operate the arm safely.

12. What items can go in my new cart?

We accept the following items:
• Plastic bottles, jugs and containers (numbers 1 – 7)
• Paper (mixed paper, cardboard, newspaper, junk mail)
• Aseptic containers (milk/juice cartons, drink boxes)
• Aluminum and metal cans
You can also recycle scrap metal, appliances and tires at the curb by placing them outside your recycling container.
IMPORTANT! Be sure to rinse out all food and beverage containers before putting them in your cart. This prevents your recyclables from smelling or attracting rodents and insects, and also helps maintain the value of the recyclable material.
Putting any trash, food or yard waste in your cart will contaminate the whole load.

13. What items cannot go in my new cart?

We do not accept the following items:
• Glass
• Plastic bags
• Styrofoam
• PVC
• Light bulbs
• Clothes hangers
• Mirrors
• Ceramics
• Water hoses
• Paper towels
• Hardcover books

14. What if I’m physically unable to get my recycling and garbage carts to the curb?

The City provides “carry-out” service for residents who are unable to get their garbage and recycling carts to the curb due to a temporary or permanent disability. In order to be eligible for this service, you must meet the following criteria:
• There is no one else living in your household or employed by you who is capable of getting the garbage and recycling carts to the curb

• A physician or optometrist will certify that your disability prevents you from transferring the garbage/recycling to the curb

If you meet the criteria, you’ll need to fill out a service application form (below) and return it to: City of Greenville Public Works, 360 S. Hudson Street, Greenville, SC 29601.
Carry-Out Service Request Form

15. How can I encourage my neighbors to recycle?

If your neighborhood has an association, our recycling coordinator can attend a meeting to discuss the importance of recycling. She can also provide information about our recycling program, including monthly reminders and tips, for your neighborhood newsletter, Facebook page or Nextdoor group. Contact our recycling coordinator at 467-8300 for more info.

16. Can I recycle if I live in an apartment/townhouse complex?

Currently, we only provide curbside service to single-family homes and multi-family complexes with three or fewer units. If you don’t receive curbside service where you live, you can still participate by taking your recyclable materials to one of our drop sites:

North Greenville Recycling Center
514 Rutherford Road

Stone Avenue Recycling Center
800 East Stone Avenue

17. What if my school or small business wants to recycle?

Currently, we are unable to provide collection service for schools and commercial properties; however, there are several local private companies that you can call. The types of recyclables accepted will vary by the company, so you may want to contact several companies to determine which one offers the best service for your needs.

18. Why did the City decide to issue all residents roll carts?

Roll carts can accommodate more recycling materials, and makes regular recycling service easier and more convenient for residents. Roll carts also make the program safer for City employees.

19. Why was the 95-gallon cart determined as the standard size for recycling?

The 95-gallon recycle cart was chosen after surveying successful programs of other
municipalities in the Carolinas. Although some households may not regularly generate the full capacity of recycling, there are times of high generation that need to be considered. Automated collection requires all material to be placed inside the cart. Loose bags placed next to the cart will not be collected.

20. How do I request a different size cart?

Currently the City is only providing one size of cart. The 95-gallon cart that is provided is designed to accommodate recyclables generated by the average size family in a week.

21. What if the cart is too big?

We are asking all residents in single family homes to ”test drive” the cart for a period of 90 days before deciding to surrender their cart and stop recycling.

22. Will I be charged for a damaged roll cart?

The roll carts will be warrantied for 10 years. If the damage is due to manufacturer error, it will be replaced with another cart at no charge. If the resident damages the cart through neglect, a replacement fee will be charged.

23. Is automated collection safer than manual?

Yes. According to the Bureau of the Labor Statistics (BLS) solid waste collection was the 4th deadliest industry in 2015. Automated collection reduces worker injuries by eliminating heavy lifting and repetitive motion, the two most common types of worker injuries. Additionally, by remaining in the vehicle cab, employees are no longer working from behind the truck where slips/falls and traffic have caused numerous fatalities.