Town of North Smithfield

April 20, 2020

Yard Waste Clarification

Our message on yard waste pickup in last week’s newsletter created some confusion so we are sending this update:

Our Highway Department has taken up the responsibility for curbside pick-up yard waste in this time where our contracted hauler is unable to perform due to impact from the coronavirus.

Yard waste left at the curb in appropriate containers on your usual collection day will be picked up by our highway department personnel.

Please understand that in unusual circumstances, such as the recent wind and snow events that took down trees and blocked roads, our abilities could be overwhelmed which could delay yard waste pickup.

• Two (2) laborers have been assigned to follow the trash and recycling curbside routes picking up yard waste bags until further notice. They will also be monitoring what is being put out curbside with regard to trash and recycling.

• With that said, residents are welcome to bring yard waste, ridged plastic and scrap metal items as well as used motor oil on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and also on Wednesdays 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. We ask that residents not bring the bulky items and appliances to the Public Works Facility.  

• Also, residents should still adhere to the trash and recycling rules. For example, trash service is for household trash items that are generated in normal day-to-day living. This includes kitchen trash, bathroom trash and the like. All trash must be bagged – no loose trash.

• As for recycling being put out at curbside, here are some reminders. Paper and cardboard should be clean and flattened. Cartons must be empty and rinsed. Place the plastic tops back on the cartons, metal cans, lids and foil. They should be cleaned, and the foil should also be cleaned and bunched up. Containers must be empty and rinsed out. Remove the metal tops from the glass bottles and jars first and recycling separately. Plastic containers should be empty and rinsed out and place the plastic tops back on prior to recycling. 

• Recyclables must arrive at the Materials Recycling Facility loose. Remember, no plastic bags, bags of bags or recycling inside of bags. Also, no foam containers or plastic containers that once held flammable materials like motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides or herbicides.

• As always, residents are encouraged to go to the town’s web site to view all the updated information regarding the trash and recycling program.