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Carts Have Arrived – How Will This Work in Winter?
The new collection process for wheeled carts is “semi-automated,” meaning each collection truck will have an STR employee that positions the carts to be tipped into the truck. STR will continue to service areas during winter snow conditions similarly to the way we have in the past. Customers should place their carts at the edge of the property line so that they are not in the path of the snowplow and STR employees will return them back to the customer’s property after emptying. Here’s a few more helpful tips:
- Dig out a spot: When you clear your driveway, be sure to dig out a spot for your carts. If you have a snow removal service, provide instructions to them.
- Customers must remove snow and ice from in front of bear boxes to allow doors to swing freely and fully. STR will not service bear boxes unless a clear, unobstructed direct path of access at least 36” wide is cleared of snow, including removing roadside snow berm.
- Place trash and recycling carts for collection behind the roadway easement /snow pole line to not interfere with roadway snow removal operations. After collection, STR staff will return your carts back on your property, outside the City / County right-of-way.
- Avoid snow piles: Do not place a cart on top of snow piles or berms. This causes carts to tip over and litter the street and makes it difficult for the collection workers to access the carts.
- Avoid Streets: Do not place your carts in the street. We realize this cleared area is an enticing place to put your carts, but it is a hazard. Carts placed in the street can get hit by vehicles or snowplows.
- We understand that it might snow or the plow might leave a berm after you place carts out for collection. In that instance, our crews will do the best they can to access and empty them. Please do the best you can.
Service Guide: All the Info You Need
The transition to a 3-cart collection system is a big change for our community and we understand there are a lot of questions. The Service Guide that was delivered along with your carts has all the info you need to navigate this new system. If you didn’t receive one or misplaced yours, they are available on our website at https://tinyurl.com/3cart-STR. Or give us a call and we’ll drop one in the mail.
Carts Too Big or Too Small?
Do you want to switch to a different size cart? For our Nevada customers, the carts are sized according to your service level. Please contact our office at 530-541-5105 if you’d like to adjust your service. For California customers, we have the following choices depending on your needs:
- Garbage cart: 35-, 65- or 95-gallon
- Recycling cart: 65- or 95-gallon
- Yard waste: one size (95-gallon), but you can choose to have up to two carts
California customers, submit a cart exchange request form at www.southtahoerefuse.com/cart-change-request.
Cart Weight Limits
Note that the carts do have a weight limit. Ninety-five gallon carts must be less than 80 pounds and other sizes must be less than 50 pounds.
While it is not common for carts to get this heavy, we are unable to empty them when they are, so please take care to not fill them up with extremely heavy materials. If you only place acceptable materials in them, it should not be a problem.
Winter Storage of Yard Waste Carts
Once the snow flies and the ground is covered, South Tahoe Refuse will suspend the yard waste collection routes until Spring. Please make every effort to store your yard waste cart in a safe place out of the snow. In addition, please store it upside down to help protect the lid and keep it from filling with water. Possible storage spots include: under an eave on the side of your house, under a deck, or inside the carport or garage.
Remember: No Hazardous Material in Carts
You can find info on what should go in each cart in your Service Guide, online with our Waste Wizard, or on the labels on each cart. Please remember that hazardous material and electronic waste should not go in any cart. Hazardous waste includes: cleaners, paints, paint thinners, motor oil, gasoline, and pesticides. Electronic waste includes anything with a computer chip/system or a battery. E-waste can be brought to our Transfer Station (2140 Ruth Ave.) anytime from 8am-5pm Monday-Saturday and you can make an appointment to drop off hazardous waste by calling 530-542-8368.