recycling and trash carts

MMWA Recycling and Trash Carts

Your community is a member of the Mid Michigan Waste Authority (MMWA). The Authority was formed in 1991 to secure better prices and a wider array of services for approximately 69,000 households across its 34 member communities. The Authority currently manages the trash collection and disposal, recycling collection and processing, and yard waste collection and composting contracts for these 34 member communities. Through MMWA, your community has chosen to continue with Waste Management (WM) for the next ten years as its service provider for trash and recycling.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ has been put together to answer many of the questions you may have. If you have more questions please call MMWA (989) 781-9555. To view the answer to the questions click on the tab and the answer box will open.

What carts will I be getting?

All residents will be receiving one 96-gallon cart for trash and one 96-gallon cart for your recyclables.

What if I would like a smaller cart?

To start, each household will be issued one 96-gallon cart for trash and a separate 96-gallon cart for recyclables. After the first 30 days, residents can swap their 96-gallon cart for a 64-gallon cart for either their trash or their recyclables or both by contacting MMWA. Residents will have up to six months from the end of that 30 day period to make the switch at no cost. Keeping the largest possible cart allows plenty of room for those small to medium size items or larger amounts that may result from entertaining or the holidays.

When should I start using my carts?

All residents should begin using their carts on their next service day once received.

What if one cart is not enough for our household's weekly trash? May I get a second one?

Residents, as long as they are recycling, rarely need more than one 96-gallon trash cart. Be sure to download MMWA’s recycling flyer. Make sure you are recycling all the materials you possibly can to maximize the room in your trash cart. 

However, if you do have more trash than fits in the cart, you may request an additional cart by calling MMWA between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm or by completing the cart order form below. Additional carts will cost $120.00 each. Keep in mind, MMWA’s current bulk program will remain in place as is. Each resident is allowed up to two bulk items per week.

What if one cart is not enough for our family's recyclables? May I get a second one?

Additional recycling carts are available to purchase for $120.00 each.

What if I do not want or use the recycling cart?

MMWA encourages all residents to recycle. One easy item to start with is the cardboard from your Amazon and other deliveries. Another easy item to recycle are your plastic water bottles.

Your cart designated for recyclables cannot be used as another trash cart.

What if the cart is too heavy, or I have a disability?

You may request to be put on a special side door service list by calling MMWA at (989) 781-9555. If you are approved for side door service WM drivers will take your cart from an approved location (i.e. garage door) to the curb, empty it and return it to the approved location.

What if my cart is damaged?

If your cart is broken or lost, please call the MMWA office at (989) 781-9555. Staff will be able to assess your situation and assist you.

Can I put trash directly in the cart or do I need to put it in bags and then into the cart?

MMWA recommends all trash be bagged. While loose material can be placed in your cart, bagging your materials helps to reduce blowing litter at the time of disposal and helps keep your cart clean.

Where and how do I place my cart for collection?

1. Carts must be within 6 feet of the curb by 7:00 am on your normal service day.

2. Please place carts at least 3 feet from any tree, utility pole, mailbox, fire hydrant, and vehicles parked in the street. Carts must be placed at least 3 feet apart from each other.

3. Do not lean anything against the cart, since that will prevent it from being lifted for emptying.

4. Remember to place your cart with the lid opening towards the street, with the handle side toward the residence.

What about parked cars?

The automated truck arm has a reach of 6 feet. The arm requires 3 feet clearance around the cart for the lifting mechanism to work properly. Cars parked in front of your carts or too close to the carts may prevent collection.

Why do I need to provide space between my trash cart, recycling cart, yard waste and other items out for collection?

A different vehicle collects each type of waste, so access is important. Also, the collection arm on the automated truck requires space to safely tip your cart. Ensuring enough space will help reduce the potential for tipping of other containers or possible property damage.

How do I store and care for my cart?

1. Do not drag the cart when moving it. Tilt and roll it with the lid closed.

2. Keep lid closed at all times.

3. Clean the cart periodically with water.

4. Store the cart in the backyard, side yard or garage.

What should I not do to my cart?

1. Do not store it near a fireplace, furnace, grill or other heat source.

2. Do not place hot ashes, solvents, paints, or other flammable liquids in the cart.

3. Do not use the cart to hold hazardous materials such as: chemicals, oils, liquids and medical waste, exposed needles, etc.

4. Do not place dirt, rocks, large limbs, or building materials in the cart.

5. Do not place automotive parts or tires in the cart.

6. Do not overfill the cart to the extent the lid will not fully close. If the lid is not closed, trash will spill to the road during collection.

7. Do not allow children to play in or on the cart.

8. The cart is assigned to the house that it was delivered to. If you move, please leave the cart at your residence.

I bought a cart at a Big Box Store that looks like the one's we'll be using. May I use it?

No, WM collection vehicles will collect ONLY MMWA containers. Collection of other types of containers may be a liability issue for the hauler if those other containers are damaged. For best results you should use only the MMWA provided trash and recycling carts.

What do we do with our yard waste?

Yard waste should NOT be put into either cart. Residents with yard waste collection should continue to use either the brown Kraft yard waste bags or cans (rigid plastic containers with handles 20-35 gallons in size labeled with Yard Waste stickers. Each container should weigh less than 50 pounds.

What goes in my recycling cart?

Additional recycling information can be found here.

Does cardboard have to be bundled and tied?

Items such as cereal and shoe boxes can now simply be dropped into the cart. Larger cardboard boxes may need to be flattened or broken down so that they can fall freely from the cart as it is being emptied. Cardboard jammed into the cart to tightly can prevent complete emptying of your cart.

 

New in 2023 will be the implementation of “carts” (rolling recycling and trash containers). We anticipate cart delivery in Spring of 2023. Until then, you should continue placing your trash, bulk, recycling and yard waste at the curb just as you do right now. 

Carts will be rolled out by community. Once your carts arrive you should begin using them on your next service day. Trash collection will remain weekly however some MMWA member communities recycling collection will switch to every other week. To find out if your community is switching to every other week recycling visit your community’s page.

All residents will be receiving one 96-gallon cart for recyclables and one 96-gallon cart for trash. One 96-gallon recycling cart can hold up to five times as much recycling as your current 18-gallon recycling bin and one 96-gallon trash cart can hold up to three 20-35 gallon cans of trash.

Advantages of Carts

There are significant advantages to an automated collection program for our residents and our environment.

  • Better separation of trash and recycling will reduce the impact of MMWA member communities waste on the environment.
  • Automated collection is faster, more efficient, and more effective.
  • Automated collection is also safer for collection workers who will now be able to stay in their vehicles and empty your carts using a tipper arm.
  • MMWA’s new carts have attached lids that will help reduce blowing liter.
  • MMWA’s new carts are made of heavy rigid plastic that can help prevent animals from getting into your trash and recycling.
  • The new carts also have greater capacity (96-gallons) than typical bags, cans, and bins. As a result, residents and visitors will see two carts in front of each residence on collection day, instead of piles of trash bags and assorted containers.
  • The new carts are taller and on wheels, making them easier for residents to maneuver.

A Recycling and Trash packet should be attached to one of your carts when they arrive with important information about MMWA services. 

 

If you encounter problems concerning your carts, please complete the form below.

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What problem are you experiencing with the delivery of the new carts?