Refuse Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Does the Town provide bulky waste collection?
No, we do not because of the expense. You can either bring bulky waste to the transfer station for $30 per cubic yard or make arrangements with a commercial hauler: Mayo & Sons, 860.228.2322; Willimantic Waste Paper, 860.423.4527 or Waste Management, 800.726.7893. Examples of bulky waste are shingles, porcelain sinks, sofas, bricks, ceramic tiles, wallboard and mattresses. Certain oversized trash items may be collected with trash service. As long as the items are small enough to fit in the trash truck, not recyclable, yet burnable (all trash is incinerated), they can be collected curbside. For oversized trash items, you need to either stay within your service level or use extra bag tags. Extra bag tags can be purchased at the Town Hall for $3.50 per tag. You will need one extra bag tag for each additional 30 gallon bag of trash, or for oversized trash such as carpet, padding and futons, use one extra bag tag for every 50 square feet of material.
- What happens if I miss trash collection one week?
On the occasion that you miss trash collection, you may place double the amount out the following week.
- Can leaves be collected curbside?
No. They may be taken to the Town transfer station, for no charge, where they will be composted. The finished compost is available to residents.
- Why do we pay to get rid of trash in Mansfield?
The Solid Waste Advisory Committee (minutes and agendas) wanted to promote conservation through producing less waste and recycling. In 1990 the Mansfield Solid Waste Ordinance was adopted that supports the “pay-as-you-throw” philosophy. Through refuse fees, residents are given the incentive to produce less waste by recycling more. The less trash you produce, the less you pay. Gradually all solid waste-related expenses were taken out of the general fund. Since the mid 1990s the refuse fees collected (and some fees for recycling) must meet the costs for disposal and recycling. If your trash bill is too high, look at what you are throwing out – is any of it recyclable as listed in the brochure? What are your purchasing practices – are you buying a lot of packaging and then turning around and paying to dispose of it? Changes in the way you purchase and how much you recycle will directly affect your trash bill.
- How do I handle extra trash if I am moving in or moving out?
If you are moving in, you may want to start with a higher trash service level. Once a normal routine is established, you can reduce your service by calling us at 860.429.3333 or 860.429.3331. The other option is to purchase extra bag tags for $3.50 per tag. Tie one tag onto an extra 30 gallon bag, and it will be collected. Some residents take their extra trash to the transfer station. The cost is $3.50 per 30 gallon bag.
If you are moving out, you may sign-up for a higher trash service level by calling us at 860.429.3333 or 860.429.3331. The other option is to purchase extra bag tags for $3.50 per tag. Tie one tag onto an extra 30 gallon bag, and it will be collected. Some residents elect to take their extra trash to the transfer station. The cost is $3.50 per 30 gallon bag.
- I have collection service – how do I handle extra trash?
If extra trash is sporadic, then you can purchase extra bag tags for $3.50 per tag. Tie one tag onto an extra 30 gallon bag, and it will be collected. Some residents take their extra trash to the transfer station. The cost is $3.50 per 30 gallon bag. Twice a year, once in the spring and once in December, the Town offers unlimited household trash pick-up. This does not include bulky waste items. The notice about unlimited pick-up is posted on the website and included with the quarterly bills.