Norwalk Announces Changes To Garbage, Recycling Collection Eligibility

NORWALK, CT — The city announced Thursday changes to garbage and recycling collection eligibility in Norwalk based on recent changes to a city ordinance.

According to a news release provided by the city, the changes will begin July 1 and are based on recent changes made to the city's Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Ordinance.

These changes are necessary to develop a uniform collection program that is efficient and more cost-effective for residents, city officials said.

According to the city, the expiration of Norwalk's previous collection contract, as well as changes within the solid waste and recycling industry over the past 10 years, required the city to reevaluate its collection services.

"Starting this week, households eligible for curbside solid waste collection will be receiving a brand new 65-gallon black and red waste cart, along with a pamphlet to help them understand these changes," Vanessa Valadares, chief of operations and public works for the city of Norwalk. "Delivery of these new carts will continue through June as the city prepares for collection eligibility changes that go into effect on July 1. The waste carts will be serviced by WIN Waste Innovation's new automated side-load collection trucks, bringing more efficiency and safety to our collection process. Transitioning to these automated trucks also reduces the number of trucks on the road, reducing our carbon footprint."

Solid Waste Collection Eligibility

Solid waste collection is available only for residential properties containing four or less dwelling units located on public roads that are connected or have the ability to be connected to the city sewer, according to the city.

Properties that will no longer receive solid waste collection include:

• Apartments and condos with more than four dwelling units.
• Businesses.
• Mixed-use properties.
• Residential properties on private roads.

Recycling Collection Eligibility

City recycling is available only for residential properties containing four or less dwelling units on public or private roads, according to the city.

Properties that will no longer receive recycling include:

• Apartments and condos with more than four dwelling units.
• Businesses.
• Mixed-use properties.

There will be no changes to the blue recycling carts that are used for single-stream recycling, according to the city.

Additional Information

Properties that will no longer be serviced by the city of Norwalk could consider the following options:

• Bring your solid waste and/or recyclables directly to the city's Transfer Station at 61 Crescent Street. The Transfer Station is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Hire a private hauler to service your solid waste and recycling needs.

While the city of Norwalk has historically offered recycling at no charge, waste collection has always been limited to qualifying properties that contribute to this service through their taxes, as reflected in their mill rate. The mill rate for each property is based on the services it provides, according to the city.

Norwalk officials also noted the city is committed to assisting residents through this transition.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to refer to the city's website, which includes an FAQ, or contact the city's customer service team at (203) 854-3200 or CustomerService@norwalkct.gov.

The customer service team is also located on the first floor of City Hall for in-person inquiries, according to the city.