Recently, Lancaster Sanitation and City Council passed a resolution for the Sanitation Department to purchase large trash bins or toters for each residential household in the City and new trash trucks to accommodate the new toters. The toters began showing up at citizens' houses this week and they have generated some questions and confusion.

Q: I generate a lot of trash. What if all of my trash does not fit into the new trash cart?
A: The trash cart is 95 gallons. It is much larger than you think it is. It will hold a lot of trash. However, should you need another trash cart, you may call the Sanitation Department and request another. An additional cart is $25 for the cart and then an additional $3 per month for the trash. You could also save trash for the following week or schedule a bulk pickup for an extra $25.

Q: How much extra is this going to cost me?
A: Those currently paying $13.50 on their Lancaster Utility bill will receive one 95-gallon trash cart. Those paying $9.00 on their Lancaster Utility bill will receive one 35-gallon trash cart.

Q: May I continue to use my current trash cans?
A: You can but you must contact the Sanitation Department and let them know that you will be using your own cans IN ADDITION to the City provided trash carts. They will then issue you a sticker to attach to your personal trash can.

Q: When do I start using my new City of Lancaster trash cart?
A: Immediately. At the next trash collection day, sanitation will pickup your new trash cart.

Q: Why aren't we using this money to start a recycling program?
A: I honestly ask the question all the time of why do we not have a recycling program in the City. What you're really asking is why we don't have a curbside recycling program. There are multiple recycle trailers throughout the City to drop off your recyclables. Community Action on E Main St also has a recycling program.

Q: What if I move? What happens with the trash cart?
A: The trash cart is assigned, by serial number, to your current address. The cart should remain at the address it was assigned and your new address will have it's own trash cart. If it does not once you move, call the Sanitation Department and they will get you a new one.

Q: What are my responsibilities with the trash cart?
A: Your only responsibility is to keep the trash cart clean. If something should happen to your trash cart, the Sanitation Department is responsible for repair and maintenance.

Q: How should the trash cart be placed on trash day?
A: Well, the Sanitation Department has laid out several guidelines for this –

• Place as much trash as will fit in the cart, with the lid completely closed.
• Trash carts must be placed within 3 fee of the street edge or alley with lid opening facing the street and the wheels toward the residence.
• Trash carts must be placed at least 3 feet from any tree, pole, mailbox, etc., and at least 10 feet from parked cars.
• Additional trash cannot be stacked on top of the trash cart.
• Multiple trash carts must be spaced 3 feet apart.
• Trash carts must be set out at the street edge or alley by 7:30 a.m. on your scheduled pickup day.

Q: What do I do with yard waste? Does it go in the trash cart too?
A: Yard waste must be tied in bundles not exceeding four feet in length and two feet in diameter and weighing no more than 50 pounds each. It can also be placed in biodegradable paper bags weighing no more than 50 pounds each when loaded with yard waste. Co-mingling yard waste with trash within the same container is PROHIBITED. ALL yard waste must be set out at the curb in front of the residence.

Q: What do I do with my old trash cans?
A: If you have old cans that you wish to dispose of, you may set them out with your new trash cart and label the old trash can with a note that reads "TAKE CAN."

Q: Do I have to use the new trash cart?
A: No. You may call the sanitation department and opt out but the trash can you plan to use must be approved by the sanitation department.

If there are additional questions, the Lancaster Sanitation Department is happy to answer any questions you may have. Their number is 740-687-6660.