Your Trash Questions Answered

The Belmont Highway Department wants residents to know about trash pickup and recycling in town so they developed a FAQ list and the answers. 

Q. I have heard that there are new items added to the recycling program, what are they and how should they be packaged?

A. Corrugated Cardboard: Should be flattened or cut into pieces no larger than 2 feet by 2 feet.  These can be included with other paper recycling in brown paper bags or tied with string in stacks less than 9 inches high.  Cardboard should be secured (such as placing it under your recycling bin) so it doesn't blow away.

Do NOT Include: pizza boxes, they are notaccepted. 

Containers: (coated paper beverage cartons such as milk cartons and juice boxes) Should be rinsed and placed inside of your recycling bin.

Q. Is there a restriction on the quantity of trash that I can put out?

A. Quantity is unlimited if in containers of no more than thirty-two (32) gallon capacity which weigh no more than fifty (50) pounds each.  It is helpful to spread out large quantities over several weeks.

Q. Do I have to put my rubbish out in trash cans?

A. Rubbish mixed with food waste must be in durable, watertight containers with tight fitting covers.  Rubbish alone may be placed in plastic bags of sufficient strength to prevent failing.

Q. I just had my bathroom remodeled.  I put the wood, cabinet, and tile out for pick-up, but it was left behind.  How can I get the Town of Belmont to pick these items up?

A. Belmont provides residential collection for normal household items.  Any remodeling, construction materials, or plumbing supplies are construction material even if the home owner is doing the work.  Belmont has no facility for taking construction debris.  Residents should ask their contractors or make arrangements to remove this material as part of the construction project.

Q. I recently cut down a tree.  I cut the wood to 3 feet in length, tied a bundled it.  Some of the bundles were taken and some were not.  Are there other specifications?

A. Yes.  In addition to being cut to no longer than 3 feet, individual pieces cannot be larger than 6 inches in diameter.  The wood should be tied and bundled in no larger than a 2-foot bundle.  Any wood larger than 6 inches in diameter or stumps should be disposed of privately through a local landscaper or tree company.

Q. I have an old metal swing set that I need to dispose of.  Will the regular trash truck pick it up, or do I need to call for a special pick up?

A. The Town of Belmont and the Town contractor cannot accept non-burnable materials, such as dirt, concrete, plaster, swing sets, metal sheds or metal waste, because the facility where all Belmont's waste is transported only accepts burnable waste.

Q. I put my trash out this morning for pick up, but the trash truck had already been down my street.  They usually come after 9:00 am, but today they were early.  How can I get my trash picked up?

A. All items for curbside pick up, whether its trash, recycling or yard waste, must be at the curb available for pick up by 7:00 am.  Please make sure all items are placed at the curbside by 7:00 am on your scheduled day to ensure your items will be picked up in the future.

Q. When composting, how long do I need to wait for good soil to develop?

A. Depending on temperature and aeration, it will be about 6 months before good soil has developed.

Q. When I am composting, I do not see any worms when I turn the soil.  Should I worry?

A. No, bacteria and fungi do most of the composting outdoors along with small insects.

Q. Can I recycle bottle caps?

A. Unfortunately not.  You can dispose of them with your regular trash, or re-use them in a craft project.

Q. How can I encourage my neighbors to recycle?

A. The Solid Waste and Recycling Advisory Committee, a volunteer appointed group of residents, has developed a letterto encourage residents to recycle.  If you would like to share this information please feel to print this letter and share it with your neighbors.