Collection Carts
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I get my cart?
When you move to the City of Bristol or when you relocate residence or business
within the City, simply call the Public Works Collection Division at (276)
645-7380 and let us know your new address. A representative of the Public
Works Department, Collection Division will visit you and help you determine
what size and/or how many cart(s) you need. A cart will be delivered promptly
along with instructions on how and where to place it at curbside.
What can I expect from this system?
Each residence receives one (1) 95-gallon or 65-gallon refuse cart with wheels. This will be the only container used for household waste collection. By 7:30 a.m. on your specified collection day, but not earlier than 12:00 p.m. on the previous day, simply roll the cart out to the curb and leave it. After the trash has been collected, return the cart to its place of storage by midnight on the day of collection. Businesses will receive either the type of carts distributed to residences or, if appropriate, one or more 300-gallon refuse carts.
What if the cart isn't big enough (or is too big) for my needs?
The capacity of the general issue cart is 95-gallons. The cart can easily store waste generated by households of four or five people. If an additional cart is requested, it may be obtained from the Department of Public Works at no cost. Smaller, 65-gallon carts are available to physically disadvantaged residents, the elderly or persons or households who are small waste generators. For businesses, the appropriate size will be determined prior to delivery of the cart(s). Please call (276) 645-7380 for further details.
Will this automated system cost me anything?
No. There is no addition to the monthly collection fee. Controlling waste collection expenses that are required by the growing needs of our community offsets the cost of the equipment and carts.
How do I place my cart?
Place your cart with the wheels facing your residence, approximately 2 feet from the edge of the street pavement. This will allow easy access by the collection vehicle and the automatic closing of the lid after it has been emptied. You must not place the cart on, upon, or over any storm drain inlet or so close thereto as to be drawn by the elements into or on top of, the storm drain. Placement of carts will be determined at business locations prior to delivery of the container(s).
Can I stack items on top of the cart?
No. The cart must not have items stacked on top. Also, the lid must be closed for proper collection.
What if I have items that won't fit into the cart?
Any large or bulky item, such as household furniture and/or appliances, sofa, beds, refrigerators, washers, dryers, hot water heaters, and similar items should be placed at curbside no earlier than noon on the day preceding the regularly scheduled weekly collection day. Please refer to Collection FAQ for additional information.
Can I discard grass clippings or small brush in my cart?
No. Only household garbage is to be placed into the cart. Grass clippings and small brush will continue to be collected by different collection crews. Also, do not place hot ashes, batteries, paints, solvents or other hazardous or flammable liquids in the cart. Please refer to Collection FAQ and Seasonal Collection for additional information.
What if I do not feel that I can move the cart by myself?
If you have a physical impairment, are a senior citizen or, for other reasons, feel that you would not be able to maneuver either of the available size carts yourself, special arrangements can be made. Please notify the Department of Public Works at (276) 645-7380. A supervisor will meet with you to arrange the special assistance you may require.
Who owns the cart?
All carts are the property
of the City of Bristol. Each residence will be assigned a cart with a serial
number. The serial numbers will be recorded. If you move or sell your residence
or business, the cart must(s) remain at the original point of delivery. If
you relocate within the City, notify the Department of Public Works at (276)
645-7380 and a cart will be delivered to your new address.
Revised210900OCT2004