MUNICIPAL TRASH CANS
According to DPW: “As part of the ongoing effort to keep our neighborhoods and waterways cleaner and healthier, Baltimore City is providing Municipal Trash Cans to every residential address that currently receives trash collection by the City. These durable, wheeled trash cans are equipped with attached, tight-fitting lids that have proven effective in keeping streets and alleys clean, and in deterring rodents. Trash can distribution will begin by early 2016.” More info on the new program is below:
NEW DEADLINE FOR REQUESTING SMALLER MUNICIPAL TRASH CAN OR OPTING-OUT IS APRIL 20, 2016
DPW has extended the deadlines to: 1) opt-out of the Municipal Trash Can (MTC) program; and 2) request a smaller sized MTC to April 20, 2016. I am grateful that Director Chow has agreed to my request for this extension. Thank you to the Seton Hill Association and Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke for their continued advocacy on this issue.
DEADLINE TO REQUEST A SMALLER SIZED MTC – by April 20, 2016 – you may request a smaller sized MTC by calling 311.
By default, all properties will receive the 65-gallon MTC. However, property owners may request the 35-gallon MTC, in instances in which the property: 1) is a row home that is part of a block-long group; and 2) has front trash collection. I am pleased to report that after months of back and forth with DPW, the Director has agreed to the following request I made: “DPW has lifted the “lack of external storage space” requirement that had previously been necessary to qualify for the smaller can. Residents who want the smaller can must still meet the two remaining requirements: Their properties must be part of a continuous block-long group of row houses and must have front trash collection.” Thank you, again, to the Seton Hill Association and Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke for their continued advocacy on this issue.
Measurements for the cans are:
- 65-gallon (weighs 32 lbs.) – 25.9” (width) x 26.5” (depth) x 42.2” (height); and
- 35-gallon (weighs 23 lbs.) – 22.8” (width) x 22.3” (depth) x 38.2” (height).
- More info on each size of MTC is available on the DPW fact sheet here (and attached below):http://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/portals/publicworks/documents/MTC%20Fact%20Sheet_021916.pdf
- Frequently asked questions are answered here (and attached below):http://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/portals/publicworks/documents/Hand%20Out%20FAQ_021916.pdf
DEADLINE TO OPT-OUT – by April 20, 2016 – you may opt-out of receiving an MTC by submitting the opt-out form. You may email it to:publicworks@baltimorecity.gov or drop it off at 200 Holliday Street, Suite 600, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The form is available here (and attached below):http://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/portals/publicworks/documents/MTC%20Refusal%20Form_021916.pdf
If you are not eligible for the smaller sized MTC or if it is still too large for your needs, you may consider opting-out altogether. DPW will not restrict trash pick-up to only those using the MTC, meaning DPW will continue to pick-up your trash in your old can.
DELIVERY OF THE NEW MUNICIPAL TRASH CANS
Distribution of the Municipal Trash Cans will begin in early 2016. The schedule is attached below. Hang tags will be posted at each property approximately 10 days before delivery.
WHAT TO DO WITH THE OLD CANS
Old cans may be saved for recycling, in which case DPW has large yellow “recycling” stickers which may be affixed to any old can. Once deployment starts, DPW liaisons will provide stickers during community meetings in the areas in which DPW is currently distributing in, as well as to my Office. Once distribution begins in late February, residents may contact 311 to request a sticker. A sticker is NOT required on the can for the recycling to be picked up.
Old cans may also be dropped off at any of DPW’s Convenience Centers located throughout the City; locations are listed on DPW’s website.
NON-ELIGIBLE PROPERTIES
In addition to properties that do not meet the criteria identified above, condos with multi-family dwelling units do not qualify for the Municipal Trash Can. If they currently receive dumpster collection they will continue. However, townhomes or row houses that are mixed up among these condominiums may receive Municipal Trash Cans. DPW does not have a list of these addresses or how many currently exist. DPW plans to investigate them as they come up on a case-by-case basis and make a decision then.
QUESTIONS MOVING FORWARD
If you have questions, please call 311. If your question is not answered, you may contact our office at eric.costello@baltimorecity.gov OR 410-396-4816.
