By Tamas Mondovics
The job of delivering the new garbage and recyclables carts to more than 250,000 homes throughout Hillsborough County is now mostly done.
Unfortunately, delivery of the large gray and blue carts only completes the implementation of the new automated 2-1-1 collection service; partially.
Hillsborough County officials are now asking residents to be vigilant and to make sure they know both the proper process of placing the carts on the street as well as the correct up-to-date pickup schedules for garbage, recycling and yard waste, which went into effect on Monday, September 30 and has changed in some areas.
“As a result of new contracts with the three private companies, about three-quarters of residents in the County’s Solid Waste service area will have different collection schedules, and two-thirds will have different service providers,” said county spokesperson, Michelle Van Dyke. Upon delivery, residents have also received instruction packets explaining the collection schedules and information about service providers, but Van Dyke said that information is also available at the County’s “Find My Service Provider” link at www.HillsboroughCounty.org/TalkTrash.
“Sun City Center and Kings Point residents will have automated collection beginning in January, and can look for their carts to be delivered then,” Van Dyke said.
Other Important Reminders:
-Three-Foot Rule – At the curb, place the carts at least 3 feet away from other carts, mailboxes, cars, trees, shrubs, fire hydrants and utility poles.
-Everything Must Fit Inside The Carts – Items left outside the carts cannot be picked up by the mechanical arm on a collection vehicle.
-Customers may now dispose of old garbage cans by putting them inside the GRAY roll cart for pickup, or taking them to any of the County’s four Community Collection Centers.
-Cart Swap-Out Period – Residents are asked to give the roll carts a “test drive” through the holidays, when many households generate more trash. After that, if a different size cart is more practical, they can contact their service provider between Jan. 15 and March 15 for a free exchange. After March 15, it will cost $30 for a different size. Residents who have not received their carts should call Hillsborough County Public Utilities Customer Service at 272-5680 on Monday for assistance.
For more information, visit www.HillsboroughCounty.org/TalkTrash, or call 272-5680.
