64-Gallon Garbage Cart Collection Begins Sep. 30 In Brevard

BREVARD COUNTY, Florida -- Beginning September 30th, 2013, unincorporated Brevard County residents will be wheeling a new garbage and recycle cart to the curb for collection.   Over the past two months more than 180,000 carts have been delivered for the start of the new cart program. 

In February, the Brevard County Commission approved a new seven-year contract  that runs from October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2020 with Waste Management implementing an automated collection system for garbage and recycling. 

"The cart program requires an Automated Side Loader Truck for collection so it is important to keep a few things in mind when placing your carts curbside,” said Amy Boyson, community affairs Manager for Waste Management.  “Proper placement includes positioning the cart directly at the curb with the handle away from the street, keep a 3- foot distance between carts and mailboxes or other objects and do not park cars in front of, or close to, your cart."

Unincorporated Brevard County residents should refer to the top of their garbage cart for garbage and yard waste service days and the top of their recycle cart for recycling service day. Wast Management said in a release that yard waste service is not changing and residents should continue to use a 40-gallon or less container for yard waste and follow these guidelines for collection: 

1. Loose materials such as pine needles, leaves and small twigs must be containerized in reusable garbage cans. Please do not bag yard waste. 

2. Branches and limbs can be no longer than 4 feet in length, 24 inches in diameter, less than 50 pounds in weight, and must be stacked uniformly within 5 feet of your curb.

3. Hired landscaping, land clearing or tree trimming services must remove any vegetative waste they generate on residential and commercial properties per Brevard County Ordinance No. 94-49. 

The 64-gallon recycle cart will provide a larger capacity for recyclable materials. Waste Management touted the new carts as a way to "keep valuable materials out of the landfill and help protect our environment." A list of acceptable recyclable items can be found on the lid of the recycle cart.

Residents are encouraged to keep their old trash containers for yard waste, or other household purposes. Unwanted containers can be placed curbside with a note directing Waste Management to take the container. Unwanted recycle bins will be collected and recycled.

For more information about the cart program visit http://brevardthinksgreen.wm.com or contact Waste Management at 321-636-6894 if you live in the north area of the county or 321-723-4455 if you live in the central/south area of the county.