Frequently Asked Questions?

Q. Why didn't they pick up my trash today
    (scheduled pick up day)?

A. First, check to confirm that there were no
     visible recyclables located within the trash. 
     Effective October 1, 2007, trash containing
     visible recyclables (cardboard boxes, bottles,
     cans, etc) will be left behind.  You must separate
     recyclables from your trash, and prepare your
     trash and recyclables properly for pick up next
     week.

A. Second, check to see if your neighbor’s trash was or was not collected. 
     Sometimes trucks break down, or routes change, and collection times vary.  If
     you were missed, and your properly prepared trash was out at 7:00 AM,
     please contact Public Works at 978-436-9178 by 3:00 pm Tuesday for
     collection on Wednesday.
    
     Please note: In events of inclement weather, delays may occur in
     collection schedule.

Q. Why didn't they pick up my recycling
    today (scheduled pick up day)?
A. First, check to confirm that recyclable
     materials were properly prepared. Cardboard boxes must be flattened and
     cut smaller than 36”x36”, pizza boxes, cardboard drink containers, and
     Styrofoam are not recyclable, and containers must not include plastic bags or
     oil containers. Paper and cardboard should be separated from your bottles,
     cans and plastic containers either in a paper bag, bundled next to the recycle
     bin, or in a separate recycle bin.

A. Second, check to see if your neighbor’s recyclables were or were not
     collected.  Sometimes trucks break down, or routes change, and collection
     times vary.  If you were missed, and your properly prepared recyclables were
     out at 7:00 AM, please contact Public Works at 978-436-9178 by 3:00 pm
     Tuesday for collection on Wednesday.
    
     Please note: In events of inclement weather, delays may occur in
     collection schedule.

Q. What types of items can I put out in my
     blue bin for recycling collection?
A. Bottles, cans, and plastic containers #1-#7 go
     in one bin or barrel, paper and cardboard go in another bin, or can be placed
     in paper bags. Cardboard must be cut smaller than 36”x36”, flattened and
     bundled. Please refer to our Recycling and Trash Collection Guide for more
     information.

Q. How do I get a blue bin for recycling?
A. You can buy one for $5 at the Treasurer's office at the Town Hall.

Q. When is the yard waste collection? How do I prepare it?
A. The 2008 Spring and Fall Yard Waste Collection dates are: April 28 – May
     31 and November 3 – December 5. Yard waste pickup is on your FORMER
     trash pickup day, instead of every Monday. (See Yard Waste Collection
     Zones Map to determine your collection day.) All yard waste must
     be placed curbside in biodegradable paper bags or placed in covered trash
     barrels, clearly labeled YARD WASTE with no plastic liners.

Q. What is my "former trash day?"
A. Your former trash day refers to the collection day your trash was picked up
     prior to the current Monday schedule. See the Yard Waste Collection Zones
     Map to determine your former trash pickup day.

Q. What should I do with appliances or White Goods?
A. To dispose of white goods you must purchase a White Good Sticker (Red or
     Yellow) from the treasurer's office located at the Town Hall, O'Connor's
     Hardware, or Billerica Market Basket locations.  Fee/color varies depending
     on item. After purchasing a sticker, you must call Allied Waste at 1-800- 442-
     9006 to make arrangements for the pickup. Please make sure appliance is
     curbside by 7:00 AM the day of the pickup and the sticker is visible.

Q. How do I get rid of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)?
A. Household Hazardous Waste Day collection is scheduled for Saturday,
     October 18, 2008 at the Department of Public Works yard located at 250
     Boston Road. The collection center will be open from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
     Please refer to page 6 of the recycle and trash pickup guide for a list of
     acceptable and unacceptable HHW.

Q. How can I get a street or sidewalk repaired?
A. Call the Highway Division at 978-671-0952, with your name, address,
     phone number and a description and location of requested repairs.

Q. How do I get a street light that is not working repaired?
A. Please call National Grid with the pole number or click here
     to file an online complaint.

Q. How do I report a dead animal on the street or sidewalk?
A. Please call Animal Control at 978-671-0909, with the location and other
     related information.

Q. There is a strong sewer odor in my area, what can I do?
A. Please call the Wastewater Division any time at 978-671-0956 with your
     name, address & phone number.

Q. Who should I call if I have a sewage backup into my building?
A. Please call a plumber or drain cleaner to clean the pipe from the building to
     the Town sewer main. If the plumber is unable to clear the pipe, call the
     Wastewater Division anytime at 978-671-0956 with your name, address &
     phone number and the name and phone number of the plumber or drain
     cleaner.

    Q. Who should I call if I see sewage bubbling out of a manhole?
A. Please call the Wastewater Division anytime at 978-671-0956 with your
     name, address, phone number and the location of the manhole.