Managing yard waste is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy environment. In Carrboro, North Carolina, the Public Works Department offers residents a structured yard waste collection service. This article provides an in-depth look at the program, its schedule, guidelines, and recent updates.
Understanding Carrboro’s Yard Waste Collection Program
Carrboro’s yard waste collection program is designed to assist residents in disposing of organic materials like branches, grass, leaves, shrubbery, trimmings, and weeds. The service operates year-round, ensuring that residents have continuous support in managing their yard waste. The program is available to single-family dwellings and duplexes within the town limits.
The collection occurs twice a month, with specific schedules based on residents’ locations. This systematic approach helps maintain the town’s cleanliness and supports environmental sustainability by properly managing organic waste.
Residents are encouraged to follow the set guidelines to ensure efficient and timely collection. Adhering to these rules helps the Public Works Department operate smoothly and provides better service to the community.
Collection Schedule and Zones
The yard waste collection schedule in Carrboro is divided into two zones:
- Zone 1: Residents living south of Hillsborough Road, Greensboro Street, and Hanna Street receive yard waste collection on the first and third Mondays of each month.
- Zone 2: Residents north of these streets have their collection on the second and fourth Mondays.
If a month has a fifth Monday, there is no yard waste pickup on that day. This schedule helps the Public Works Department manage resources effectively and ensures that all areas receive regular service.
Residents can verify their specific collection days by using the interactive map provided by the town. By entering their address, they can find detailed information about their trash, bulk waste, and yard waste collection days.
Guidelines for Yard Waste Preparation
Proper preparation of yard waste is crucial for efficient collection. Residents should adhere to the following guidelines:
- Containers: Use 95-gallon water-tight roll-out containers or paper yard waste bags. Plastic bags are not allowed.
- Placement: Place containers at the street with the lid opening towards the street. Ensure there is 3 to 5 feet of clearance between the container and any other item. Do not place containers in drainage ditches, bike lanes, streets, or on sidewalks.
- Weight Limit: Filled roll-out containers (other than Town roll-out containers) must not weigh more than 50 pounds.
For yard waste placed curbside in a pile:
- Size and Placement: Piles should be long and narrow, placed as close to the curb as possible (within 10 feet). Do not place yard waste in drainage ditches, bike lanes, streets, or on sidewalks.
- Content: Yard waste must be free of debris such as dirt, sod, rock, or concrete. Limbs must not exceed 3 feet in length and 4 inches in diameter.
Following these guidelines ensures that the collection process is safe and efficient for both residents and collection crews.
Handling Large or Oversized Piles
Occasionally, residents may have large or oversized piles of yard waste. In such cases, a fee may be assessed for the collection. Residents are advised to contact the Public Works Department for more information regarding these fees and to schedule a pickup.
It’s important to note that the town cannot collect debris cut by a private contractor. Such debris should be disposed of by the contractor responsible for the work.
By managing large piles appropriately, residents help maintain the efficiency of the yard waste collection program and ensure that resources are used effectively.
Holiday Collection Schedule
Yard waste collection schedules may change during holiday weeks. For example, during the Thanksgiving holiday week, there will be no yard waste collection. Residents are encouraged to check the holiday collection schedule provided by the town to stay informed about any changes.
Staying updated with the holiday schedule helps residents plan accordingly and ensures that yard waste is not left uncollected for extended periods.
Environmental Considerations
Proper disposal of yard waste is not only about maintaining cleanliness but also about environmental responsibility. The town encourages residents to avoid placing leaves and other yard waste in streets, bike lanes, or sidewalks, as this can block storm drains and cause flooding.
Additionally, the town promotes the “Leave the Leaves” initiative, encouraging residents to leave leaves where they fall or close by. This practice saves time and money and recycles nutrients into the local ecosystem.
By following these practices, residents contribute to a healthier environment and support the town’s sustainability efforts.
Recent Updates and News
In recent news, the Town of Carrboro has been considering launching a curbside compost pickup program. This initiative aims to further support environmental sustainability by providing residents with more options for disposing of organic waste.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about such initiatives and participate in programs that promote environmental responsibility.
