1. When will our service begin?

Solid Waste Services will begin collecting garbage, recyclables, yard waste and bulky items the week of July 2, 2007.

2. Why is our service not beginning on the effective annexation date – June 30, 2007?

You can begin scheduling bulky item collection service effective June 30, 2007; however, Solid Waste will not begin providing weekly collection of garbage, recycling, yard waste or bulky item collection service to annexation customers until the week of July 2, 2007.  Beginning service at the beginning of the week allowed Solid Waste Services to provide the most cost-effective and efficient service to both existing and new customers.

3. How can I find my collection day?

There are two ways to find out your collection day. 

¨       In the mail - The week of June 4, 2007, you should receive a welcome packet in the mail.  The welcome packet will include your new collection day.

¨       On the web – You can log on to http://curbit.charmeck.org and click the Getting Annexed link.  From there follow the link to the address information center, where you will be prompted to enter your address to receive your collection day for garbage, recycling and yard waste.

4. Will I use my current garbage can and recycling bin?

No.  Solid Waste Services will provide you with a new gray garbage rollout cart and red recycling bin.  New customers should have the carts and bins no later than June 18, 2007.  If your new cart and bin have not arrived by June 18, please call 311.

5. What if I don’t get a rollout cart?

If you haven’t received a gray, City-issued garbage cart and red recycling bin by June 18, 2007, please call 311.  Representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

6. What do I do with my old garbage can and recycling bin?

Solid Waste Services has contacted your current service provider to alert them that you will be receiving City Solid Waste Services beginning the week of July 2, 2007.  You should expect your service provider to contact you regarding the collection of your current garbage cart and recycling bin.  If your service provider does not contact you, please contact them.  There is a chance that your new City-issued garbage cart and recycling bin will arrive prior to the pick-up of your old one.  Please do not place your new cart and bin at curbside until your first collection day.

7. When should I put my garbage out?

Garbage, recyclables, yard waste and bulky items should all be placed at curbside no later than 6:30 a.m. on your scheduled day of collection.  Residents that place items at curbside prior to the day before their scheduled day may be fined $50.  Residents may also receive a fine of $50 for garbage carts and recycling bins left at curbside after midnight on their collection day.

8. What do I do if my garbage isn’t collected?

You can report missed garbage, recyclables, yard waste and bulky item collections by calling 311.  Representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

9. Are there any special preparation procedures for garbage, recyclables, yard waste and bulky items?

Yes.  A detailed list of collection guidelines for each service will be attached to your cart when it is delivered.  Please be sure to review this information to ensure that you receive collection each week.  Generally speaking your garbage, recyclables, yard waste and bulky items should not be blocked by cars or other objects, including mailboxes and each other.  We utilize automated collection vehicles to provide garbage service to your home.  This requires us to lift your garbage cart with a mechanical arm.  Anything object (s) that block your cart, including your recycling bin, can be damaged during collection. To prevent service delays and damage to personal and public property, please:

DO NOT

·         Place rollout carts near mailboxes (allow three feet in between) 

·         Put basketball goals at curbs

·         Park on the street on collection days

You can also view an item preparation video on Solid Waste Services’ website.  Go to http://curbit.charmeck.org and click the link on the homepage labeled video archive.  

If you have further questions about Solid Waste Services’ collection guidelines, please feel free to call 311 or email curbit@ci.charlotte.nc.us to have a member of the Solid Waste Services’ staff attend your next homeowners’ association meeting. 

10. Is there a cost for bulky item collection?

Unlike the other municipalities, Charlotte’s bulky item program is provided with no upfront-collection fee for residents.  The bulky item collection service is an on-call service, meaning residents must call to schedule bulky items for collection.  The City of Charlotte’s bulky item collection service provides City residents with weekly collection of bulky items as a part of its CURB IT! collection program.   You have two options for scheduling a bulky item collection. You can:

1. Call 311
2. Schedule online at http://curbit.charmeck.org.  Click CURB IT! then bulky items.

11. I live in a multi-family complex and we currently have curb service, but I was told that when we were annexed we would get dumpster service.  Is this true? 

If your complex has 30 or more units, this is true.  Multi-family complexes in the City of Charlotte with 30 or more units receive garbage, recycling and bulky item collection service under a special contract.  Residents in these complexes do not receive rollout curbside service.  They are provided with dumpsters or compactor service.  Through City contracts residents receive service from a private company that will collect garbage and recyclables on an established weekly schedule.  Bulky item collection service should be scheduled for collection.  Coordination of a central drop-off location will be coordinated with your property manager or home owners association president.  Please contact them for more information.

12. If so, why can’t you provide us with curb service?

Providing service to multi-family customers under a contract allows Solid Waste Services to keep costs low and provide efficient service.