Branford is making the switch to a ‘single stream’ trash and recycling collection system, something that has been implemented in may neighboring towns. The switch is being made with the hopes of encouraging more recycling as well as in response to fewer trash collection companies willing to handle, and bid on, the current system in place.
The new system will begin July 1, 2023.
NEW TRASH AND RECYCLING CARTS WILL BE DELIVERED TO ALL ELIGIBLE RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES BEGINNING JUNE 13th, 2023. Eligible Residences are households currently receiving curbside collection of trash and recycling services provided by the town.
Here are some common questions being asked regarding thew switch:
1. What are the changes to the residential curbside collection process?
– Effective July 1, 2023, the town will be switching from the current manual curbside
collection to an automated curbside collection process for the collection of trash and single
stream “no-sort” recycling.
2. What is automated collection?
– Automated collection is the collection of trash and recycling by means of vehicles equipped
with a mechanical arm mechanism that can pick up specially designed carts with no direct
assistance from a human collector.
3. Are there changes to the collection schedule?
– No, the collection schedule will remain the same.
4. Do I still need to separate my garbage and recycling?
– Yes, the recycling still needs to be separated from the garbage. However, the recycling will
now become a single stream “no sort” process, meaning all accepted recyclable materials
can be mixed together in the same recycling bin.
5. What is Single Stream “No-Sort” recycling?
– A collection process of recycling that allows for all acceptable recyclable materials to be
placed in the same recycling cart rather than separated.
6. Why are we getting new garbage and recycling carts?
– The new Carts are specially designed to work with the automated curbside collection trucks.
7. When are we getting the new carts?
– New Carts will be distributed to residents starting June 13 and completed before July 1,
2023.
8. How many carts are provided to each residence?
– The town will provide each eligible residence with one dark grey trash cart and one blue
recycling cart.
9. Can I purchase additional carts?
– Currently, the town is working with the new hauler to determine carts that residents will be
able to purchase if additional carts for trash and/or recycling are needed.
10. When do I start using the new carts?
– After July 1, 2023, all residents MUST use the new carts provided by the town to continue to
receive curbside collection.
11. Can I use the new carts before July 1, 2023?
– No, the new carts are designed for the automated trucks, not for manual pick up. They will
be too heavy when full for the current contractor to empty. Any new carts placed at the
curb before July 1, will not be emptied.
12. How do I get the new carts? Do I need to order them?
– Each eligible residence will automatically receive two new 95 gallon carts (one for trash and
one for recycling) between June 13 and July 1. The new carts will be delivered directly to
your residence.
13. What happens if I don’t receive my new carts?
If you have not received the carts by July 1, please contact The Sustainability and
Compliance Office. 203-315-0637 or Email: [email protected]
14. What is considered an eligible residence for the new carts?
– Eligible Residences are households currently receiving curbside collection of trash and
recycling services provided by the town.
15. Is there a cost for the new carts?
– No, each eligible residence will receive one specially designed trash cart and one specially
designed recycling cart at no cost.
16. How big are the new carts?
– The new garbage and recycling carts are 95 or 65 gallons each.
95 Gallon – Holds approx. ten 13 gal. trash bags. Dimensions: H 43.5” W 29.2”D 33.3”
65 Gallon – Holds approx. six 13 gal. trash bags. Dimensions: H 43.09” W 26.78” D 26.87”
17. Do the new carts have wheels?
– Yes, the new carts feature large wheels making them maneuverable and easy to roll by simply
tipping the cart on the wheels.
18. Do the carts have lids?
– Yes, the carts have lids that are attached so they won’t blow off or get lost.
19. A 96 gallon cart is too large for my household, can I get a smaller one?
– Yes, all eligible residences will receive a mailer the first week of May that will have
directions on how to choose a 65 gallon trash and/or recycling cart if they desire.
20. I am a senior, or someone who cannot maneuver the large cart, can I get a smaller one?
– Yes, all eligible residences will receive a mailer the first week of May that will have
directions on how to choose a 65 gallon trash and/or recycling cart.
21. I live in a multi-unit residence, does each unit get their own carts?
– Yes, each eligible residential unit will receive their own carts.
22. Do I have to bag the garbage before placing it in the trash cart?
– Bags are not necessary, however, if you prefer to use bags that is fine.
23. Should I bag any of the recycling before placing it in the recycling cart?
– No, all recycling material should be placed together loosely in the cart. Plastic bags should
never go in the recycling cart. Plastic containers should be compressed if possible, and
cardboard broken down and flattened.
24. Will my cart be picked up if it is overflowing, if I place a bag on top of the lid, or if I can’t close
the lid all the way?
– No. Excess material will not be picked up. All material MUST be placed within the carts and
the lid MUST be closed.
25. I didn’t get my new carts, what do I do?
– If you do not have the carts by July 1, 2023, reach out to the Sustainability and Compliance
Office at 203-315-0637 or email [email protected].
26. I am a renter and haven’t received the new carts, what do I do?
– Reach out to your landlord. If you do not have the carts by July 1, 2023, reach out to the
Sustainability and Compliance Office at 203-315-0637 or email [email protected].
27. I only have a single bag of trash, do I have to put it in the special cart or can I just put it at the
curb?
– All trash and recycling MUST be placed in the designated carts. The truck will only pick up
trash and recycling with the specially designed carts.
28. What happens if I have a party or event and generate more trash and recycling than can fit in
the carts?
– As a Branford resident, utilize the Town Transfer Station. See the Tax Collector office at
Town Hall on the first floor for transfer station passes.
29. What do I do with the old trash and recycling carts I have now that will no longer be used?
– It is highly recommended that residents keep their current trash containers and recycling
bins for other purposes. However, the options for collection, recycling and/or disposal of
those plastic and metal containers will be established at a later date.
30. Who do I contact if my cart brakes?
– Starting July 1, 2023, the curbside collection hauler will handle broken cart inquiries.
31. What if my cart(s) were stolen?
– Report the theft to the police and email the Sustainability and Compliance office at
32. I am moving can I take the carts with me?
– No, the carts are assigned to the property address not the resident. They should remain on
the property.
33. Can I write my name on the carts?
– No, the carts are assigned to the property address not the resident.
34. Why were the cart sizes chosen for 65 and 95 gallon?
– The goal is to increase the amount of recycling ability that the Town of Branford can
accommodate and to provide ample amount of cart space for residences trash if needed.
35. Who collects our Curbside MSW and Recycling? And where does it go?
– Starting July 1, 2023, Curbside MSW/ Recycling will be collected by Bozzuto Bros. Refuse
Services. The collected material is taken to our transfer station then the MSW is transported
to a Waste-to-energy plant and our recycling is taken to a recycling processing facility.
I saw a truck off short Beach rd today delivering new pails…they were being thrown around carelessly by the men delivering them. Not a good start