Waste Management, the company that provides waste pickup for a majority of Winslow residents has recently updated their recycling requirements.
Previously, residents were asked to place all clean plastics, cardboard and aluminum cans in their respective recycling totes.
David Dickey, of Waste Management said, “We have had some issues with people putting their regular trash in the recycling totes. That means, yard waste, pet waste, plastic grocery bags and more.” As of Nov. 1, Waste Management has begun not picking up those totes if excluded waste is seen in them. This includes plastic grocery bags, and bagged recyclables. “Nothing has really changed,” said Dickey, “it’s just that the recycling plants themselves are frustrated with having so much garbage in their recycling, so that is what we are trying to prevent.”
Waste Management has notified the public about the reminder. “No food, no plastic boxes, no pizza boxes,” he said.
Residents have recently expressed concerns over the Waste Management reminder on social media. A misunderstanding was circulated in which Waste Management was no longer picking up clean plastic bottle and cans. Dickey explained, “No, we are just trying to remind people not to bag their recyclables. Especially in plastic bags. We will still be accepting plastic bottles, cans, clean cardboard and paper.”
If a Waste Management driver finds non-recyclable trash in a resident’s labeled cart, a door hanger will be placed at the residence said driver Andy Guiterrez. “Just as another reminder. If it becomes a habit, we will have to stop picking up that recycle bin.”
For more information, or questions regarding the policy, contact Waste Management at (928) 289-0674.
