Frequently Asked Questions

 Q. What is automated trash collection?
 A. Household trash is placed in a trash cart,
     which is emptied by a mechanical arm on the
     trash truck.  Automated trash collection is
     safer for the workers and keeps the town
     neater on collection day.  The trash cart has
     an attached lid and sturdy wheels.  Do not
     overstuff the cart; the lid on the cart must be
     able to close.

Q. When does automated collection start?
A. The first collection will be on Monday, July 6.  The trash cart should be
     wheeled to the curb no earlier than 5:00 PM on the night before collection,
     and no later than 7:00 AM on collection day.  The new trash carts may not be
     used prior to July 2009.

Q. Will I have to buy a new trash container?
A. No, each household receiving curbside municipal trash service will be given
     one free 64-gallon trash cart.  Each cart will have a serial number that
     identifies a specific Billerica residence.  Multifamily residences may receive
     extra carts depending on their official status in the Assessor's office.

Q. The trash cart is so large, isn't it hard to move?
A. Most people find the trash cart is easier to move than a standard 32-gallon
     trash barrel because it has wheels.

Q. What if I can't fit all my trash in one container?
A. You may either purchase a roll of five special trash overflow bags at a cost of 
     $2.00/bag or pay for an additional trash cart. Overflow bags are available at
     O'Connor Hardware and Billerica Market Basket locations. Second cart      
     applications are available at the Billerica DPW office at the Town Hall or by
     clicking here. Residents should have no trouble fitting one week's trash in a
     64-gallon trash cart if they are recycling. Remember there is no limit to the
     amount of recycling you can put out for collection.
 
Q. How much does a second trash cart cost?
A. For the first year, the annual fee for an additional trash cart is $165.00.  This 
     includes the cost of the cart, additional labor costs, and disposal fees.  If you
     want the cart for a second year the fee is $100.00, covering labor and
     disposal.

Q. What happens if I decide I don't need the second cart?
A. If the cart is returned before the end of six months and is in good condition, 
     50% of the annual fee will be refunded.  For example, if the cart is returned
     in the first year before 12/31/09, then $82.50 will be refunded.

Q. What should I do if my cart is broken?
A. Allied Waste will replace a cart if it is broken in the first 5 years. 

Q. What about recycling; are there any changes?
A. There is no change to the mandatory recycling policy.  Recycling bins are sold
     at the Treasurer's office in the Town Hall, or you can use an old trash barrel
     that is labeled for recycling.  Free "Bottles and Cans" labels are available
     at the Town Hall.  Remember, the more you recycle, the more room you'll
     have for trash in the cart.  See the 2009 Residential and Trash Recycling
     Guide for information on what to recycle and how to prepare it.

Q. What if I have a bulky item like a sofa or mattress?
A. Starting in July 2009, you will need to call Allied Waste at 1-800-442-9006
     to schedule a free pick up. Please call by 5:00 PM on Friday for collection on      your following trash day. Please be aware that the bulk time will be picked up      by a different truck than the trash cart.

Q. What if I have a TV or an appliance?
A. There is no change to the current Appliance, CRT, and Tire Collection
     program.  Call Appliance Recyclers at 1-877-228-2898, or go to
     http://www.applrecyl.com.  See the Recycling and Trash Guide for more
     information.

Q. What if I have problems or more questions?
A. Please call Billerica DPW Operations Supervisor at 978-436-9178.