Pay-As-You-Throw Curbside Refuse Collection Program

Please revisit this page often as more information will continue to be added!

Why do I have to flatten cardboard?
Recycling trucks are not "packers" and cannot crush cardboard boxes. Cardboard must be flattened and tied into 3 foot by 3 foot bundles so that they will fit into the truck. If you do not prepare it this way, the hauler will leave it at the curb.

Why can't I recycle margarine tubs and yogurt containers, even though they are #2 plastics?
Number 2 plastics are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) which can be "blow molded" to form bottles and "injection-molded" to form tubs. The two applications are chemically different and have different "melting points," so even though both items have the same code on the bottom, they cannot be collected in our recycling program. A good rule of thumb: if it is a bottle, and there is a #1 or #2 stamped on the bottom, it's recyclable.

Why can't I recycle the cardboard boxes from 12-packs of soda cans?
This type of cardboard has been treated with a chemical that prevents it from disintegrating when the cans "sweat." It is difficult for the paper mills to break down the cardboard with water when they try to recycle it. Therefore, put these boxes, as well as all cardboard packaging from refrigerated or frozen foods (ice cream boxes, microwave dinners, fish sticks) in the your yellow PATY bag.

My propane tank is metal. Can I put it in my blue cart?
No, and don't put it in the trash either. The tank may seem empty but will have trace propane in it, and it may explode and injure people when it is handled by trash processing machinery. Several stores like Home Depot and Wal-Mart have trade-in programs where you bring them your empty tank and they'll give you a new, full one. Or call Eco-Depot to schedule a free drop-off (942-1430 x241).

Can I recycle tissues and tissue paper?
No. Facial tissues, (like Kleenex), are not recyclable. Tissue paper, which is often used in gift boxes and as stuffing for gift bags, is not accepted for recycling.  Paper towels are not recyclable either.

Can I recycle books?
Yes. If the book has a hard cover or a plastic or spiral binding, remove it and put the paper pages in the green cart. Paperback books are completely recyclable.

Why aren't pizza boxes recyclable?
If the pizza box were totally clean, it would be.  The problem is that they seldom are. It is the grease from the pizza that is the problem. So, as a precaution we request that you throw them in the PAYT bag.

How can I recycle my ink jet cartridges?
Some schools and charities collect used cartridges for fund-raising purposes.  Try to find a local group who needs your help.  Also, some office supply stores such as Staples and Office Depot will recycle the cartridges.

Why use PAYT bags?
Simply put, it is the fairest, most equitable and for most people the least expensive way to pay for a curbside collection program. The bag cost ($2.00 for a 15 gallon bag and $2.50 for a 33 gallon bag) will cover the cost of the entire collection service (trash, recycling, and separate leaf and yard waste collection).

This town wide service will have free weekly recycling collection and seasonal leaf and yard waste collection!  Nationwide, programs using the PAYT model have some of the highest recycling rates in the nation!

How big are these new carts?
The standard carts are 64 gallons. They have wheels and are surprisingly easy to roll when filled. The carts measure 26 ⅜” deep X 25 ¼” wide X 42 ⅛” high.

The 64-gallon bin seems very large, do I need one?
Most likely, YES! The council voted to go with the 64-gallon cart after hearing the experience of other communities similar to Middletown’s size and make up. The bins are larger than your average trash barrel, but seeing how you are only issued one for trash it will be suitable for most homes. If, due to physical constraints, you would be unable to move the carts and there is no one else in the household who can, residents with handicap license plates may be eligible for pickup, or your family requires an additional cart, please contact Will Cronin (wcronin@middletownri.com or 824-6136).
 
What do I do with bulky waste that can’t fit in a PAYT bag, or my cart?
If the item is still useable then consider donating it or giving it away.
If the item should be thrown away there are two ways to get rid of it:
1) buy a bulky waste sticker from he Department of Public Works, price varies depending on item, or
2) Bring the bulky waste to the Newport transfer station, they charge by weight, $90 per ton, with a minimum charge of $10.00.
Click here for more bulky waste information
http://www.middletownri.com/documents/refuse/bulky.php

Where can I buy PAYT bags?
Richardson Beach Hardware, Benny’s, JT’s Lumber, Rocky's Ace Hardware, Sweet Berry Farm, Custom House Coffee, One Stop Building Supply, Cumberland Farms, Shaw’s, CVS (Middletown), Stop & Shop (Middletown), and Walgreen’s.

Will residents be charged a State Tax when buying the bags?
No, the bags are sold as a service to the community and the retailers will not profit from the sale.

What if my carts weren’t picked up?
If your carts were on the curb by 7 AM the day of your collection but were not picked up, please call Waste Management at (800) 972-4545 before 5:00 PM. They will make arrangements to return and collect it.

How can I reduce the amount of stuff I throw away?
The easiest way to reduce the amount of materials you throw away is to RECYCLE. To help you recycle, the town, with the help of Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation has provided two carts free of charge. For literature please contact the recycling coordinator at 401 842-6519, or by e-mailing wcronin@middletownri.com

Won’t PAYT impose an unfair burden on low-income residents?
No.  Low-income residents will also share in the overall savings achieved by PAYT, and because PAYT restores some measure of individual control over the trash bill, households that need to economize are given the option to do so. On balance, PAYT is advantageous to low-income households.

Where can I get more information?
By calling the Recycling Hotline at 401 842-6519, or by e-mailing wcronin@middletownri.com