By Michael P. Walsh
Special to the Voice
The city’s recycling cart rollout was a success, and Mayor Dorinda Borer is thanking residents for their patience.
Despite some minor adjustments along the way, Borer said the rollout went well.
The mayor credited members of the Department of Public Works for overseeing the undertaking and thanked them for their hard work.
The department’s work will continue from July 8-12, when crews will pick up residents’ old recycling bins on their curbside collection day.
Residents are asked to empty the bins before putting them at the curb for pickup.
The city’s recycling program no longer accepts the old bins, but residents can keep them for home use.
Moving forward, residents must use the new 65-gallon carts for all recyclables.
Borer said the new carts have wheels for easy maneuvering and attached lids to keep recyclables dry and secure. They will also keep city streets safer and cleaner, she said.
The new carts are for recyclables only. Many residents have been putting trash in them, which is prohibited. The city’s recycling contractor will not pick up carts containing trash.
Residents are asked to continue doing their part by placing only recyclable materials in their carts, including glass bottles and jars, aluminum and steel cans, food and beverage cartons, paper products, such as newspapers and flattened cardboard, and empty plastic bottles and containers.
Residents are not required to separate cardboard and bottles.
To help limit contamination, give food and drink containers a quick rinse and place them directly into the recycling cart. No sorting is needed.
Residents can find their recycling day and answers to other frequently asked questions by visiting https://www.cityofwesthaven.com/266/Recycling-Info-Carts or calling West Haven DPW at 203-937-3585.