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201 E 6th St
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Frequently Asked Questions
*How many recyclables are separated out of Newton's waste stream each month?
*The chart to the right shows last month's numbers. Over 20% of Newton's household waste is separated out for recycling.When are my residential garbage and recycling pick-up days?
The curbside garbage and recycling day varies across the city, but both services are provided on the same day. Click here to go to the route map. If you are a commercial customer, your pick-up days will be dependent on the service you pay for; call the Sanitation Division at 284-6070 for more information.
I put my garbage out on the right day; why wasn't it picked up?
Did you put it at the curb by 7:00 am? Although it may seem as though the trucks arrive at the same time each week, there are no set schedules for the drivers and routes do change. If this was not the problem, and there was no note from the crew explaining why they couldn't pick it up, please call the Sanitation Division at 284-6070, and we will do what we can to correct the problem. We cannot issue a credit to your bill for a missed garbage pick-up.
My cardboard was at the curb by 7 a.m. Why wasn't it picked up?
Due to the large volume of cardboard recycled by Newton residents, we are using a separate pickup truck to collect it. This helps to keep the enormous amount of material separated for the recycling facility staff. So if your trash has been picked up, but your cardboard has not (or vice versa), we haven't forgotten you. Another truck will be by to collect the remainder.
What should I do with excess trash or recyclables?
Trash and recyclables should be placed within the provided containers. Particular events such as holiday celebrations may generate excess waste. In these situations, excess trash should be placed alongside the cart in plastic bags. Recyclables must be properly sorted and placed alongside recycling bins in plastic bags labeled "RECYCLABLES." Regular occurrences of excess waste outside the containers will require an additional cart or recycling bin, or the waste will not be collected.
What can be done to help solve the trash-blowing problem throughout my neighborhood?
Bagging your trash inside the cart will significantly cut down on litter. Recyclables are much less likely to blow out of the bins if you flatten cans and plastics, and stack your bins together.
How do I get additional containers?
Although the trash cart is equal in capacity to three regular size trash cans, we realize that some residents may need more space. Therefore we have up to two additional carts available to each residence for an additional monthly fee of $12.38 per extra cart. Additional recycling bins may be purchased for a one-time fee of $6.00 each. Call Customer Service at 284-6007 to order.
What if my container is damaged?
If a container is damaged by our crews, or through normal wear and tear, it is covered by warranty and will be repaired at no cost to you. However, if it is damaged through neglect or misuse, repair or replacement will occur and the cost will be billed to your next water/refuse bill. If your container is damaged, and we have not taken care of repairs, call the Sanitation Division at 284-6070.
What if my container has been stolen?
If your container is stolen, report it to the Police Department (911) and the Sanitation Division (284-6070).
I have trouble getting my large trash cart to the curb. How can you help me?
If it is a physical challenge for you to get the large trash cart to the curb, we have some smaller carts available. Please call us at 284-6070 for more information.
Can I put my name on the containers?
The containers issued to you remain City of Newton property and must not be painted or altered in any way. The City has the serial number of the cart assigned to your address on file. If you have trouble identifying your container, call the Sanitation Division at 284-6070. We have a special label we can put on your cart.
I'm moving across town. Should I take my containers to my new address?
No. The cart and bins are assigned to your address. Leave them behind when you move and we will pick them up. We will deliver containers to your new address when you have the water turned on in your name. If you don't receive them within a couple days, give us a call to let us know.
I live in an apartment and don't have my own set of containers. How do I recycle?
Talk to your apartment manager. When you moved into your apartment, you should have received instructions on your building's recycling program. Most apartments that cannot be set up with standard residential service will have a large dumpster for trash and two or more large carts for recyclables. Apartment managers should provide information on recycling and one recycling bin for storing and carrying their recyclables to the collection point.
Why can't all plastics be recycled?
Only plastic bottles coded with a #1 or #2 on the bottom are recyclable in Newton. These containers make up two-thirds of all plastics. Plastics coded with other numbers are not currently recyclable in our area because of limited or non-existent markets. As the plastic industry grows and new products are made using these other plastics, we hope to expand the types of materials collected locally.
What happens to the recyclables after they are collected?
Recyclables collected curbside are transported to the Harvey County Recycling Facility where they are separated, baled and shipped off to be made into recycled products such as newspaper, building insulation, construction materials and tin and aluminum cans.
Why doesn't the revenue made from selling recyclables lower my sanitation rate?
The city does not receive revenue for its recyclables. The City pays Harvey County less per ton to drop off recyclables than it does to drop off trash. The more we can recycle, the less we pay to transfer trash out of county. This helps to keep your sanitation rate reasonably low.
Why should I recycle?
Recycling is mandatory for all Newton residents. Recycling helps the economy and the environment by promoting economic development and employment, conserving natural resources, reducing pollution, and conserving landfill space.
Why is recycling mandatory?
In 1999, the Harvey County Commission made recycling mandatory county-wide in an effort to reduce the volume of solid waste that must be transferred to out of county disposal sites. The Newton City Commission adopted local ordinances requiring mandatory participation of all Newton residents to assist Harvey County in achieving its goals for solid waste management.
What if I accidentally put recyclables in the trash?
City recycling ordinances and Harvey County regulations state that residents must recycle. We do not examine the contents of every trash cart, but crews are looking for compliance. If you set out your recycling bins along with your cart, it is a good indication to the collection crew that you are doing your part to recycle. If recyclables are apparent in the trash cart, we are forced to leave all the material in the cart, with a violation notice, until the recyclables are separated from the waste stream.
What should I do with my leaves and grass clippings?
Residents are encouraged to mulch or compost yard wastes. They may also be dropped off at the Harvey County Transfer Station for composting, free of charge. Because these yard wastes are composted at the landfill, they cannot be mixed with your residential trash.
There was a note on my trash cart, and all/some of my garbage/recyclables were left behind. What does this mean?
Explanation of Notes trash carts To Contact the Sanitation Division Call 284-6070
