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Public Works - Refuse and Recycling Automated Carts

Show All Answers

1. Do I have to order my refuse and recycling cart?

No, every household is automatically slated to receive one 95-gallon refuse cart and one 64-gallon recycling cart.

2. Can I order a smaller refuse and/or recycling cart?

Smaller cart options are reserved for seniors (65 and over) only who feel that they may have difficulty maneuvering a larger trash or recycling cart. The city may contact recent applicants for smaller carts to verify that they meet the age requirements.

3. I’m a senior and I’m not sure if I need a small cart and what size would be best?

First, if you are considering a smaller cart we recommend that you visit the Community Center located at 1 Monticello Blvd. where there are sample carts available and try them out.  If you are considering a smaller cart the middle size 64-gallon cart is the most advisable option for both refuse and recycling. It is approximately 44” high and offers good stability when wheeling the cart to the curb. All the carts have large wheels and maneuver easily. The smallest 32-gallon carts are significantly smaller and are only approximately 36” high.  This height might cause some individuals to have to bend over when trying to wheel the cart to the curb.  Smaller cart orders must be received by July 26th. 

4. I’m a disabled individual, and I currently participate in the city’s disability assistance program for weekly collection. Will I still need carts, and will the City continue to collect them?

Yes, if you currently participate in the disabled assistance collection program, this service will continue. You will receive both refuse and recycling carts, and one of our friendly city staff members will wheel the carts down to the street and empty them and return them to the location where they are stored on your property.

5. I live in a single person household, but I’m not a senior and I do not generate a lot of refuse or recycling on a weekly basis, can I opt for a smaller refuse and/or recycling cart?

Unfortunately, No.  Based on feedback, this option is only reserved for seniors that might have mobility issues.  Smaller carts are not generally offered in other communities but we want to ensure the success of our program.

6. I own a duplex/2-family home. Will I get a cart for each unit?

Yes. You will receive both carts for each unit.

7. I already have an extra cart. Can I use it?

Unfortunately, No.  We will only be collecting refuse/recycling in our prescribed carts.  

8. When will the carts be delivered and when will the new system be in place?

Because of supply chain issues with the delivery of collection trucks, the automation of Cleveland Heights refuse and recycling has been pushed back to Spring of 2022. The distribution of trash and recycling bins is also delayed. Once we receive delivery of our automated collection trucks, the date the program begins will be announced.Program dates may be subject to change based on delays that are being experienced nationwide in the manufacturing industry. Stay up to date by visiting our website.

9. How will I know when my carts are going to be delivered, how long will the delivery process take, and will there be educational materials included?

Postcards will be mailed a few weeks in advance of the carts being delivered. Professional delivery teams will deliver the carts to each residential unit and code them to the address. An information packet about how to place the carts at the curb, and what to place in the recycling carts will be attached to each recycling cart.

10. I read on the City’s cart ordering page that the City received a grant towards the purchase of recycling carts, does this apply to smaller carts as well?

The city did receive grants from both the Recycling Partnership and the Ohio EPA towards the purchase of 64-gallon recycling carts. The intent of the grants is to encourage participation in weekly recycling collection to divert recyclable materials from going to the landfill. The grants require that for weekly recycling collection a 64-gallon cart is required to be eligible for funding. Therefore, we are encouraging our residents to utilize a 64-gallon recycling cart. The grant does not cover the smaller cart.

11. Once the new cart system is in place, what will go in the recycling carts?

The city operates a single stream recycling collection system. All acceptable recycling items are on our Recycling webpage will be placed loosely (not bagged) in the recycling cart and placed at the curb weekly. The City follows the Cuyahoga Recycles guidelines. Please visit CuyahogaRecycles.org to learn more.

12. Does cardboard go into the recycling cart?

Cardboard should be flattened and can go into the recycling cart.  If there are large boxes that cannot fit into the cart, it should be flattened and neatly stacked next to the recycling cart.

13. What about trash, is that supposed to be placed loose in the trash cart?

No, you will place your “bagged” trash in the trash (refuse) cart.

14. What about yard waste, will there be a separate container for yard waste?

No, yard waste collection will follow the current collection guidelines, and will be placed at the curb separate from your refuse and recycling carts in a Kraft bag.

15. Will the carts that are delivered to my address be identifiable if they are lost or stolen?

Each cart will contain an integral Ultra High Radio Frequency Identification (UH-RFID) tag which will be specifically coded to each address. City staff will have scanners that can identify a found cart and which address it belongs to.

16. Will the carts be my property, or property of the city?

Carts will remain property of the city. Each residential unit will be issued one refuse cart and one recycling cart. If a residential unit purchases an additional cart the additional cart will remain property of the resident.

17. What if a cart is damaged, will the city repair it?

Yes, the carts are covered by a full 10-year warranty, and if carts are damaged they will either be repaired or replaced.

18. What if my pre-purchased additional City refuse cart is damaged, will the city repair it?

Yes, pre-purchased additional City carts are covered by the same full 10-year warranty and will either be repaired or replaced by the city.

19. What about bulk items, will bulk week still be the first full week of each month?

Yes, bulk week will still be the first full week (M-F including holiday weeks) of each month and will be limited to four (4) bulk items per household.