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Common Questions and answers
Here are some of the most common questions we get in the Mayor's office about the new program:
1. I am a senior citizen; Can I handle the new toter?
We tested this for two years and had many people in the pilot program over 70, and some over 80. Most people find it easier than their current system. The answer is simple physics: barrels on large wheels are easier to use than barrels you have to lift.
If you prefer a smaller toter, 32 gallons, we have them available, but we strongly encourage you to try the regular 64 gallon one first.
We recognize that there are very small number of elderly and disabled people who just cannot handle any barrels, even if it is on wheels. We have a hardship exemption for them. Please call the recycling department for more details.
2. Will this one barrel be enough to handle my trash?
A: We had families of 6 in the program and they tell us it worked fine.
If you can document that you have a very large family, 6 or more children living with you, then we will provide a second toter for free.
We recognize that there are weeks
especially at Christmas times.when no matter how much recycling you do, you cannot make this work. We are supplying you with a coupon for 5 free additional bags to use around the holiday.
If there are other weeks when this just does not work for you, you can also buy additional bags at the highway department or local supermarkets.
We also have the option of renting a second barrel from us. The second barrel is $150 for the first year and $100 for every year after that.
We are truly hoping that with vigorous recycling that this program will work and that you will never have to buy a thing. The extra barrel and bag is there for the exception, not the rule.
Where do I put this new trash barrel?
The trash people will deliver it to your home. They will try their best to leave it exactly where they want you to leave it when you fill it with trash starting the week of May 2.
Remember-- DO NOT LEAVE it out before the week of May 2.
Generally, wherever you leave your trash today is where you are going to leave your new large wheeled trash container.
What About Narrow Streets?
There are narrow streets in all of the other 60 Massachusetts cities and towns that use this, including Lowell, Lawrence, Revere, Everett and East Boston. On those really narrow streets, the trash company will use a special rear loading system. They get your trash on your street today and they will get it with the new system.
What about the snow?
This system works in the snow. Barrels, whether they are on wheels or not, are more difficult in the snow. We have videos below of the trucks picking up barrels in the snow and we tested it last year in the snow. Many of our pilot program users said it was somewhat easier in the snow with the new barrels.
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