Environmental & Extension Services - Solid Waste Division
Automated Garbage Collection History & Program Basics
FAQs – “KEEP IT IN THE CART”
What does “Keep it in the Cart” mean?
The phrase “Keep it in the cart” means to place all household garbage in the green Charlotte County cart that was distributed to all unincorporated Charlotte County residents in 2008. The cart is to be the primary garbage container for the resident’s use. All garbage must be bagged and placed in the cart with the lid closed; not beside the cart and not on top of the cart. View Flyer
Why can’t I use my old garbage cans?
The new garbage trucks feature an automated arm that grabs, lifts and empties the carts without the driver leaving the truck. In order for the automated garbage program to work at full efficiency, it is critical that the driver not leave the cab of the truck to pick up the garbage placed outside of the cart. Instead, the driver radios for another truck to come pick up the additional garbage manually. You can still use your former standard garbage cans for yard trimmings on a weekly basis or for the six (6) extra garbage pickups that every resident is allotted each year (October through September).
What are my six extra garbage pickup days?
The six days that any resident can place additional garbage beside their cart are chosen solely at the discretion of the resident.
Is anyone counting how many times I place additional garbage outside of my cart?
Yes, the first time you place additional garbage outside of your cart Waste Management, our County’s franchise hauler, will place stickers on the outside of your cart and under the lid alerting you that they have recorded one of your six (6) additional pickups. Each time there is additional garbage outside of your cart, Waste Management will record the additional pickup and also mark the sticker under the lid of your cart. After the sixth additional garbage pick up your additional garbage will no longer be picked up. (This only applies to the garbage placed outside of your cart.) The time period for the logging of the six additional pickups is done on an annual basis from October through September.
When does this process begin?
On July 6, 2009, Waste Management will begin recording all additional garbage that is placed outside of the cart.
What do I do if all my garbage does not fit in my cart?
- Start recycling or increase your recycling
- Take your bulky items to the County’s Mini-Transfer & Recycling Facilities (19675 Kenilworth Boulevard, Murdock – or 7070 Environmental Way, Englewood)
- Additional garbage carts are available to lease through Waste Management for $2.50 cents per month or you may have a second weekly pick up for $7.50 cents per month. Please contact Waste Management directly at 941.629.1106 or call toll free 1.877.567.2974 to contract with them for these additional services.
Complete Solid Waste Service Guide
For information on all automated garbage related issues including carts, cart exchanges, garbage collection, recycling and yard trimmings collections call Waste Management at 941.629.1106 or 877.567.2974 from Englewood.
