David N. Cicilline          
Mayor of Providence          

07/24/2008
Daisy, When will "Blue Bins" be availabe for purchase? I've been trying to purchase a new one for some time but I'm told that they are out of stock. Thanks. Dean

Hi Dean, Our Department of Public Works purchases bins for RI Resource Recovery. Unfortunately, RIRRC has been unable to complete their scheduled order, so we cannot purchase the blue bins we need from them right now. In the meantime, you can leave us with your name, address, and number so we can reach you when we have blue bins available. You can also use your green bin as a container for bottles, if you have an extra one. As long as each stream is separate, the recycling truck driver will know where it should go. Finally, you can also pick up free "Extra Recycling" stickers from us. These can be placed on any plastic container you have (i.e. a spare trash can). Simply keep your paper and bottles separate and put it at the curb. The recycle truck driver will do the rest.

07/24/2008
Hello! I'd like to start composting and was wondering if I could buy some large compost bins when I go in to purchase recycling tubs? If so, can you also relay some prices? I appreciate your time! -Jaimee Valadez P.S. Please feel free to email me at: Prncsofemrldcty@aol.com

Hi Jaimee, We don't sell compost bins at the Department of Public Works. RI Resource Recovery does have compost bins for sale at a price below retail. They're located at: 65 Shun Pike, Johnston, RI 02919. Compost bins are available for sale between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. They'll also happily provide you with information on how to construct your very own. For questions, please call Mike Mesolella at 401 942 1430 ext. 252. Your recycling coordinator, Daisy

07/24/2008
Dear Daisy Our city issued 95 gallon trash-can was stolen. Please tell us how to replace it; are we to buy a new one or will the city replace it; and where can we get it? Your guidance is truely appreciated. thank you.

For a replacement Big Green Can, you can visit the Department of Public Works Administration Building at 700 Allens Avenue from 8:30 am to 4 pm, Mon-Fri. Please bring proof of address and identification. The receptionist will take down your information and schedule delivery of a new can. Your recycling coordinator, Daisy Diaz

07/11/2008
Dear Daisy, I was wondering if there was a law in Providence regarding what time trash pickup can start in the morning? Other municipalities don't allow trucks to start collecting until a certain time to avoid too much noise too early in the morning, so I was wondering if Providence had any similar ordinances? Thanks! Pam, Providence

Hi Pam, It is our policy to have the trucks begin trash pickup at 6 a.m. on weekdays only. The ordinances that regulate trash removal and recycling are contained in Article III of the City Code of Ordinances.

07/07/2008
Dear Daisy, I have seen trash cans with stickers on them that label them as containing yard debris. This seems like a convenient way to dispose of small amounts of leaves and branches. Is this an approved method of disposing of yard debris, and if so where can I get some of those labels? Thanks. Jack.

Hi Jack, Thanks! For free yard waste stickers, visit the Department of Public Works at 700 Allens Avenue. We're open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4 PM (summer hours).

07/07/2008
Daisy, How can we recycle fruit, vegetable, egg shells and other food materials? Can we put them with garden materials for recycling? Concetta-Federal Hill Neighborhood

Hi Concetta, We do not have a community composting program in Providence. However, you can compost at home -- it's a superb, earth-friendly practice! RI Resource Recovery offers compost bins for $50 if you need some to get started.

06/05/2008
Hi Daisy...I hope you can help me. We have an old wood dresser and a tv set, that we need to discard...what is the best way to dispose of these items??? Is there a charge &/or a fee if we leave them on the curb??? Thank you for your time...have a great day! Candice, Providence

Hi Candice, To have your TV set and dresser picked up, you'll need to call the Department of Public Works to be placed on the bulky items pickup list. Please call 467 7950 and ask for Dalila Ramirez. Once you're on the list, you can place them on the curb the night before collection day. Your recycling coordinator, Daisy

06/05/2008
Dear Daisy, I live in a condo complex whose trash is not eligible for city pickup (but that's another issue!). Are we still eligible for city recycling pickup? Thanks. c

Dear constituent, Only residences of 6 units or less are eligible for trash or recycling pickup. The good news is that recycling service is affordable. Please contact me via e-mail or phone and I can provide you with a list of recycling haulers for you to pass on to apartment management. I'm confident you'll find an excellent deal. Your recycling coordinator, Daisy

05/27/2008
I am one apartment in a 2-apartment household. We only have 2 blue bins and no green bins. is it OK to put recyclable paper in one of the blue bins? Mike Kloc 92 Gray Street, Providence

Hi Mike, Great question! As long as that bin is dedicated only to paper, you can use your blue bin. To avoid confusion during collection, place a large sticker or sign on the bin that clearly states: "Paper Recycling".

05/21/2008
Miss Diaz, Our class is still researching recycling. (Thank you for all the information you shared with them already. ) One new question: what does it mean to recycle only "Clean Paper" Thank you for your time, Margaret Sabo

Dear Miss Sabo, Great question! "Clean paper" refers to paper that isn't dirty in the traditional sense of the word (i.e. not dragged in dirt) or otherwise contaminated with food (i.e. sauce, cheese, oil, etc.) Your recycling coordinator, Daisy Diaz

05/19/2008
Dear Daisy, Is Providence still holding computer and electronic equipment collection days? A couple years ago I brought a load to Mt. Pleasant High School on the appointed day. This worked great. If any more collection days are being planned, how do I find out about them? Ann Jacquez Providence, Elmhurst Section

Dear constituent, We currently do not have any local e-waste collections scheduled through the Department of Public Works. However, RI Resource Recovery will be holding an e-waste collection on May 31st. It will be from 8 am - 12 noon at Charlestown Elementary School located on Rt. 112, Carolina Back Road. No appointment is needed. Please note that this is an E-waste/computer collection only so they will NOT be collecting Eco-Depot (hazardous) materials. Your recycling coordinator, Daisy Diaz

05/06/2008
I read the article about Leaf pick up starts on April 14th.. Is there a schedule when the pick up dates are or do they come randomly. I have at least 10 bags of leafs in front of my property but there has been no pick up.

Dear constituent, Leaf and yard waste bags should be put out on your trash day. They are typically picked up on the same day. At the beginning of the season, you may experience occasional delays. Your recycling coordinator, Daisy

04/28/2008
Daisy, Is there any way to determine exactly how much waste is being spared from the Johnston landfill just by recycling alone?

Dear constituent, As of March 31st, recycling has kept 5,841 tons of waste from going into the landfill for the current fiscal year. That's not counting white goods! Your recycling coordinator, Daisy Diaz

04/28/2008
Good morning Ms. Diaz, My name is Joseph Braga, I am the Executive Chef at the Radisson hotel on the harbor. I am trying to find information regarding city and or state recycling programs for the hotel I work at in Providence. Currently, we are trying to be a more "green" friendly establishment and want to explore any avenues at our disposal. I look foward to hearing from you and any information you can provide. Thank you for your time

Dear constituent, Kudos on wanting to be more enviromentally-friendly! The City currently only provides curbside recycling to residences with 6 units or less. Businesses are not eligible. However, there are many excellent haulers that will work with you to pick up your recyclables. I'll send you the information you need to get you started. Your recycling coordinator, Daisy Diaz

04/28/2008
I live on Hope St. in Providence and put my recycling out in the evening on Sundays, the night before collection. For the last two weeks, a man in a green-ish colored minivan has been scavenging bottles and cans from our recycling. This isn't legal, is it? Is there something I can do to prevent this activity?

Dear constituent, Yes, scavenging of any kind is illegal according to Article III of the City Code of Ordinances, Section 12-87. The standard fine is $50. You should call the Associate Director of the Environmental Department, Bien Garcia, at 467 7950 for information about next steps. Your recycling coordinator, Daisy Diaz

04/28/2008
Dear Daisy, Is there a printable brochure available on-line for landlords to provide to tenants with guidelines on proper rubbish and recycling procedures?

Dear constituent, For all things recycling and for the proper disposal of hazardous waste, see the following: http://www.rirrc.org/documents/RIRR-4645%20recycling%20FA.pdf This is a fairly exhaustive brochure. For something closer to a flyer, check out: http://www.rirrc.org/documents/12423%20multilingual1.pdf For information on general issues with waste: (This is a website.) http://providenceri.com/green/faq.php

04/28/2008
What I can do with plastic caps (in terms of recycling)? I hate to throw them away.

Dear constituent, Plastic caps are made of a resin that is not recyclable so they should be thrown away (as you've been doing). However, that doesn't mean you can't find creative ways to reuse them. Check out Green Daily for five interesting suggestions: http://www.greendaily.com/2008/04/26/5-ways-to-reuse-plastic-bottle-caps/ Your recycling coordinator, Daisy Diaz

04/28/2008
What is the rate and fees of solid waste removal?

Dear constituent, If you are referring to the tipping fees that RI Resource Recovery charges for the disposal of solid waste at the Central landfill, the fees are: $32 per ton for municipal waste and $56 per ton for commercial waste. Your recycling coordinator, Daisy Diaz