During a recent Village Board meeting, new garbage and recycling guidelines were adopted to reflect recent changes associated with automated garbage collection. The new guidelines will help ensure that the Village remains in compliance with State mandates related to waste disposal and public health, welfare and safety. Following are highlights of the new garbage and recycling ordinance (Chapter 292 of the Municipal Code for Pleasant Prairie).
YARD WASTE
You can dispose of the following items at the Compost Drop-Off Site: yard waste, grass clippings, car batteries, antifreeze and waste oil. (please see footnote)
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE
You can dispose of household hazardous waste two times per year. This would include items labeled: Caution, Combustible, Corrosive, Danger, Flammable, Pesticide, Poison, Reactive, Toxic or Warning. (please see footnote)
GARBAGE/RECYCLING CARTS
Village carts should be used as your primary receptacle for garbage and recycling. This will help keep collection costs down. Certain fees associated with additional and/or replacement carts have also been outlined in the ordinance.
GARBAGE CART CONTENTS
It is illegal to place the following items in your garbage cart: lead acid batteries, white goods (such as microwaves, etc.), waste oil, recyclable items, tires, compost, antifreeze, cell phones, concrete, stone, dirt/clay, hazardous or toxic materials.
LARGER ITEMS FOR DISPOSAL
You can dispose of bulk items and white goods by calling 925-6700 to schedule a special pick-up at your home. These would include larger items such as refrigerators, microwaves, and anything larger than 4' x 4'. Definitions, examples and fees associated with these special collections are also listed in the new guidelines. (please see footnote)
COLLECTION HOURS
Garbage and recycling collection will now begin at 6:30 a.m. Garbage and recycling carts should be at the curb by 6:30 a.m. for collection.
REMODELING/CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS
More than modest amounts of construction and remodeling debris will not be collected as part of standard "unlimited" garbage collection. For larger remodeling or construction projects, residents should hire a dumpster service to handle large amounts of debris.
FEES/PENALTIES
Fees and penalties for violations have also been defined in the new ordinance. In addition, a process for notifying residents of noncompliance with the garbage and recycling guidelines has also been outlined.
FOOTNOTE
More detailed information related to solid waste disposal is available in your: 2008 Village Calendar and Resource Directory, at PleasantPrairieOnline.com, or by calling 925-6700. For more information, you can also view the new ordinance (Chapter 292 of the municipal code) at PleasantPrairieOnline.com. Enter "Chapter 292" in the Code Search Box.
THANK YOU
Thank you for helping to keep our garbage and recycling costs low. The more you recycle, the more we save as a Village. As a reminder, the following items should be placed in your recycle cart for collection:
• corrugated cardboard
• magazines, newspapers and office papers
• all plastic, glass, aluminum, and steel bottles and containers
• chipboard boxes (cereal boxes, shoe boxes, etc.)
• shrink or stretch wrap
• food packaging
food containers that are recyclable should be free from food remnants (for example, a pizza box is recyclable so long as any melted cheese and other food remnants are removed from the container)