New Trash Carts Rolling Out, Changes Described in Mailing

Cranston residents have started getting their new 65-gallon trash and recycling carts from Waste Management as the June 30 beginning of automated waste removal service approaches.

At the same time, Waste Management has been sending notice to residents that the new service is coming, and with it, some big changes to the way trash and recycling is picked up.

For example, instead of free bulky pickup, residents now will face a $18 fee per item for large items. And mattresses and box springs are $25.

Gone are the days of making a phone call and watching your couch, dining set and worn out futon get hauled away for nothing.

If you do want a bulky waste pickup, you must call 800-972-4545.

The new bins are being distributed to neighborhoods gradually through the end of the month. If you're worried you were overlooked, call the city at 401-780-3175. not everyone has gotten theirs yet, so be sure to make sure other folks on the street got theirs before calling.

Another change — any garbage not in the new cart will not be picked up. The general rule until now was that extra bags could rest next to your can and the crew would pick them up. With the new automated system, there is only one crew member — the driver. That means the truck can only grab the bins, which are designed to fit in the grasp of a mechanical arm, and nothing else.

And be sure to leave three or four feet between the bins so the mechanical arm doesn't have to squeeze in between, potentially knocking one over.

So why is there an additional fee? Waste Management says it's to keep the base fee to the city down and since most residents use it only occasionally, it makes the most sense. It is true that the city will save an estimated $200,000 per year with the new contract, though some residents are dismayed by the changes.