Why is the recycling program changing?

With the new RecycleTogether program, even more materials can be recycled, and they don't have to be separated into separate containers. Using the Big Green Can for recycling will save the city money, give residents adequate space to recycle all of the new materials, and will help reduce litter from wind blown recyclables.

When will I get my new gray barrel?

Citywide distribution of new gray trash barrels will begin neighborhood by neighborhood on October 1 and continue through the end of the year.

When does my Big Green Can become my recycling bin?

As soon as you receive your new gray trash barrel, your Big Green Can becomes your recycling can.

How will the lid on my Big Green Can be replaced?

After your new gray trash can is delivered, crews will come through the neighborhood on your trash collection day to replace the lid of the Big Green Cans with a new blue lid that has instructions about the recycling program. Once you receive your gray carts, please set out all of the green carts every week on your collection day until the lids are replaced.

It may be a few weeks after your gray trash cart is delivered before the team comes by to swap the lids on your Big Green Cans, so please do leave your Big Green Cans at the curb all day on your collection day until it is done.

Do I need to sort my recycling?

No. In June 2012, the State of Rhode Island announced new procedures that allow residents to combine paper, plastic, glass, tin and all other recycling. Less sorting means recycling is easier than ever!

Will I still be able to bring my current blue and green totes to the curb?

No. Waste Management is transitioning to an automated pick up system and will not collect recycling in the green and blue totes you currently use.

Do I have to return my blue and green recycling totes?

No. You can keep your old blue and green totes for storage around your house or you can return them to the Department of Public Works at 700 Allens Avenue during regular business hours Monday through Friday 8:30am-4:30pm as well as on Thursdays until 7:00pm and Saturdays 7:00am-1:00pm.

Upcoming collection days in the neighborhoods are posted at this link.

Recycling bins that are in good shape will be re-used in our schools and City offices. Broken bins will be recycled.

Will my trash be picked up if I don't put recycling out?

The City will maintain the "No Bin, No Barrel" policy. If you do not put out recycling, you run the risk of not having your trash collected.

Should I bag my recyclables before I put them in the Big Green Can?

No. Plastic bags clog the machines at the Materials Recycling Facility in Johnston. The only exception to this rule is shredded paper. You can place shredded paper double bagged in clear plastic bags and place it in with your recyclables.

Do I need to flatten cardboard boxes still?

Yes. Please do continue to flatten your boxes as you did before. That helps to save room in the recycling truck so we don't need to make extra trips back to the neighborhood, and it helps things go smoothly at the Materials Recycling Facility. You don't need to worry about folding cardboard to a 3'x3' size anymore. Just make sure it is flattened and can fit inside the Big Green Can with the lid closed.

Will I have to pay for my new trash cart?

No. All residents participating in the curbside collection program will be issued a City-owned cart at no charge.

How do I prepare my carts for weekly set-out?

The lid to the cart must close tightly, and no material may be sticking out of the carts. Place carts no more than three feet from the street and at least three feet apart from each other and away from obstacles such as mailboxes and telephone poles. Cart handles and wheels should be facing the house and arrows on the lid should face the street.

What size is the new trash cart?

All residents will receive a 65-gallon cart. 65-gallon carts have the capacity to hold approximately five kitchen sized trash bags. 65-gallon carts are 40 inches high and 26 inches wide.

What if I have more than can fit in my trash cart?

Any item that does not fit in your City issued trash cart is considered a bulky item and must be scheduled for pick up.

How do I arrange for a bulky item pick up?

You can have large, bulky items (i.e. couches, appliances, large toys, mattresses and TV's) picked up for free by following these easy steps:
• Call Waste Management at least 24 hours before your regularly scheduled trash collection day to request a bulky item or e-waste pick-up 1-800-972-4545.
• Describe the item(s) you are calling to have picked up, limit 3 items per collection day.
• Place the items at the curb no earlier than 4:00pm on the day before your regular trash collection day.
• Follow these instructions for e-waste pick-up or bring your unwanted e-waste to the e-waste pods located in the parking lot of Public Works at 700 Allens Avenue from 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday through Saturday.

How do I find out what can be recycled through curbside collection?

In addition to being able to recycle all plastic containers smaller than 2 gallons, you can now mix your recyclables together. Your paper, plastic, glass, aluminum and tin cans can all be recycled in the Big Green Can. Check out www.recycletogetherri.org for all of the details.

Where do I find out how to dispose of other items?

The Recyclopedia is a comprehensive A-Z listing of materials and instructions on proper recycling and disposal. Recyclopedia is complete with links to the resources you need to responsibly manage your waste; protecting the environment and increasing the life of our Central Landfill.