Is there a benefit to customers in keeping recycling clean?
Yes. Recyclables are sorted and baled and then sold to processors who make new consumer products from them. The sale of recyclables results in revenues for the company which collects them. These revenues help offset some of the cost of garbage collected. Contaminated recyclables cannot be sold and the loss of revenue to the collection companies ultimately results in higher garbage fees.
What is the advantage of automated collection?
Automated collection means residents have access to wheeled carts which are easy to maneuver and roll to the curb. Lids on the carts help minimize litter and spillage and the carts present a clean, orderly appearance.
What is the holiday schedule?
No collections are made on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day or New Years Day. During those weeks, if your regular collection day falls on or after the holiday, collection is delayed one day. For example, Thanksgiving falls on a Thursday. That week, Thursday customers will be collected on Friday, and Friday customers will be collected on Saturday. Normal collection resumes the following week.
Why does the collection driver pick-up two materials at one time?
In many locations, we use a "split-body" truck which allows us to pick up two materials at one stop. A toggle switch in the cab of the truck activates a flap which directs materials to a certain compartment which keeps materials segregated. This "split-body" collection system is an innovative approach to material collection which reduces truck traffic and noise in neighborhoods. Also, by eliminating one collection pass, there is less wear-and-tear on roads and less on emissions.
How often am I billed?
Ukiah residential customers are billed monthly by the City of Ukiah. We bill residential customers in Lake County and the City of Clearlake quarterly. We bill all commercial and multifamily customers monthly.
How can I get a larger or smaller garbage cart?
Call customer service to request a different size cart. Our customer service representatives will let you know the different rates for different sizes. You will be asked to leave your cart out after your collection day for an exchange. Carts must be empty in order to be exchanged.
What time will collection be made?
Times vary by location. As a general rule, collection starts very early. Carts need to be out for collection by 4:00 a.m. Customers are encouraged to place carts out for collection the night before scheduled service.
Can I recycle clothes and used toys?
Not in the recycling cart. However, many thrift stores and charitable organizations such as Goodwill, The Salvation Army and local Hospice facilities accept these items. Customers are encouraged to contact these organizations. Reusing these materials is superior to throwing them away.
Is there an advantage to "single stream" recycling?
Yes. "Single-Stream" recycling means that residential and commercial customers can place all recyclables together in one cart or bin. Customers do not need to separate materials. Single-Stream recycling has been proven to increase recycling volumes and help communities divert materials from a landfill.
Can I get a clean-up bin or box for a few days?
Yes. Just call us and we can arrange to deliver a clean-up bin to your home. Small bins (3 cubic yards) are available for "light" projects and larger debris boxes (20-30 cubic yards) are available for extensive projects such as remodels, construction or landscape tear-outs. Discounts are given if clean recyclables such as greenwaste, wood waste, cardboard, glass or concrete are placed in the bin or box.
Where does this "E-Waste" go?
Materials are delivered to a certified processor where units are disassembled into different components (metal, glass, plastic, etc.). These materials then go to manufacturing facilities to be made into new products. We use an electronics recycler that does not export any materials overseas. It is all recycled domestically.
What if my garbage, recycling or greenwaste is missed?
Call us immediately if your garbage is not picked up by the end of your regularly scheduled day. Please remember that collection times can vary from week to week due to such things as truck break-downs, traffic or new routing. Also, an additional trip charge could apply if your carts were not set out in the appropriate place at the appropriate time.
The lid or wheel on my cart is damaged. Can I get a new one?
Yes. Just call customer service. There is no charge for replacing a cart with a malfunctioning lid or wheel that was damaged during the collection process. However, there is a charge for replacing a cart which was damaged by a customer’s inappropriate use of them such as placing hot ashes in them, placing sharp metal objects in them, driving into them, or standing on top of the cart.
Do you have bins that lock?
Yes. Locking bins are available for a minimal fee. Please allow up to 2 weeks for the bin to be ready since they are made to order.
