In August 2021, the City of Morristown Public Works Department began operations of its solid waste through a new Automated Garbage Collection Service. Crews are utilizing new kinds of vehicles and trash carts. If you have not already, you will be receiving a new cart that is in compliance with the new trucks. There are a few minor changes we are asking of our residents in regards to usage of these new carts. A few main points are:

• Please point handle and wheel side of cart towards the house. (In the past, the handle was placed towards the street.)
• Leave at least 4 feet between your cart and other obstructions.
• Cart should be placed at edge of curb, in drive way, or within 2 feet of the edge of the road. 
• A reminder that you should not overfill the can. Lid should be able to close. No garbage sitting next to can will be collected.

 

FREQUENTY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING NEW AUTOMATED GARBAGE COLLECTION

WHY DID THE CITY MAKE THE DECISION TO MOVE TO AN AUTOMATED GARBAGE SYSTEM? The automated garbage trucks were purchased to replace aging garbage trucks. In addition to their mechanical state, the manual style of loading garbage into the previous trucks was dangerous to workers. This type of collection is safer for our employees. Automated collection is more efficient and safer than manual collection.

WHAT IS AN AUTOMATED GARBAGE COLLECTION SYSTEM?
Automated collection refers to the system where an operator activates a mechanical arm on the side of the collection vehicle to lift and empty standardized collection carts.

WHY THE NEED FOR STANDARDIZED COLLECTION CARTS?
The automated collection system requires standardized carts for pick up by a mechanical arm. Older carts cannot be picked up with the mechanical arm as they are not designed for this purpose. The lids on the standardized carts are designed to be left closed by residents and will open automatically as the cart is dumped.

WHO COLLECTS THE GARBAGE?
A City of Morristown employee will operate the automated garbage truck that picks up residential garbage.   

WILL MY SERVICE BE THE SAME OR BETTER?
The automated system allows for more efficient and safe cart collection.

WILL MY GARBAGE PICKUP DAY CHANGE?
At this time your pick-up day will not change.

WILL THE AMOUNT OF GARBAGE I PUT OUT FOR COLLECTION CHANGE?
There are a few restrictions:

• To prevent spillage, the lid on your cart must be able to close completely. Please do not overfill.
• No garbage outside the cart will be collected. This policy has already been in place for some time and will now be strictly adhered to.

WHAT IF I GENERATE MORE GARBAGE PER WEEK THAN I CAN PUT IN MY GARBAGE CART?
It is the responsibility of the homeowner to take care of any excess solid waste that does not fit in the garbage cart. Additional garbage carts may be purchased from the City if needed.  A recycle cart is also available to the homeowner if requested.

WHAT KIND OF GARBAGE CAN I PUT IN THE CART & CAN I THROW LOOSE TRASH IN THE CART?
All regular household garbage may be placed inside the cart. The City recommends that garbage be bagged. Bagging your waste will prevent items in the cart from becoming airborne as well as help keep your cart cleaner. Anything that is placed inside the cart must be able to fall freely when dumped.

WHAT ARE THE SIZE OF THE COLLECTION CARTS?
All City garbage carts are 95-gallon carts. Some carts are short and round and some are a tall and skinny. All carts hold 95 gallons.

CAN I USE A NON-CITY CART?
No. The City of Morristown will only pick up carts issued to citizens by the City of Morristown.

WHERE SHOULD I STORE MY CART?   
Store your waste and recycling carts beside your home, garage or a secured location. City ordinance (3529, 11-3-2015; Ord. No. 3601, 3-20-2018) requires that your cart must be removed from the street on the same day as collection.

HOW SHOULD I KEEP MY CART CLEAN?  

• Wash your cart out regularly with a mild non-toxic detergent.
• Place your garbage into garbage bags inside your cart
• Keep the lid closed at all times.

HOW WILL I KEEP TRACK OF WHICH COLLECTION CART IS MINE?
Each cart has a serial number that is assigned to an address. The carts are marked, so the City will be able to track the carts and determine where a cart belongs if one goes missing or if carts get mixed up.

WHAT IF MY NEW CART BREAKS?
In the event your cart is damaged, please contact the Public Works Department at (423) 585-4658 for repair or a replacement to be arranged.

WHAT IS THE COST OF AN ADDITIONAL CART?
The cost for an additional cart is $44.10 (this may change as supplier costs fluctuate). This cost is the responsibility of the homeowner. Carts can be purchased at City Center (Cashier’s Office) or over the phone with a credit card (including a $2.50 service fee) during business hours.

WILL I SET OUT MY NEW CART IN THE SAME PLACE AS I CURRENTLY PUT MY GARBAGE CART?
The collection routes are being reviewed and revised as necessary to maximize the efficiency of the automated collection system. If your collection locations change, you will be notified. Please ensure there is 4 feet of clearance around the cart and that the front of the cart is facing the road (wheel side and handle of the cart toward the house/business).

WHAT WILL INTERFERE WITH MY NEW CART BEING COLLECTED?
The automated truck is capable of picking up collection carts in close quarters. As a standard the 4 feet rule applies.  Please place your cart a minimum of 4 feet from other carts, utility poles, hydrants and vehicles.  Do not block the sidewalk. Set the cart within 2’ of the curb or at the edge of the pavement.

WILL THE GARBAGE TRUCK OPERATOR PICK UP MY GARBAGE CART IF THE LID IS OPEN A LITTLE BIT?
No. The lid for the garbage cart needs to be completely closed to be able to be tipped into the truck. Having the lid open, even slightly, allows garbage to escape either by wind or birds, or encourages animals to get into the garbage.

WHEN I MOVE DO I TAKE MY CARTS WITH ME?
No. Please leave the City-issued cart, in clean condition, at your address. If you are moving to a different address in the City limits, there should be a cart there when you arrive. If you purchase an additional cart from the City, please contact the Public Works Department so they cart move the cart number you purchased to the new address.

WHAT DO I DO WITH MY OLD CART?
If you received a new cart and they left your old cart behind, please call our office, and the cart will be picked up.