There was a note on my cart, and all or some of my trash was left behind. What does this mean?

Your note will have a check mark or an X next to one of the following categories: 

Collection Point 

Improper positioning of containers

Usually means that your cart was not positioned within reach of the mechanical arm on the collection vehicle and the lid(s) facing the correct direction, or there was something obstructing the automated process. It could also mean that you did not allow at least 3 feet of unobstructed space between your carts, which is necessary for automated loading.

Items placed out not approved for collection

One or more items you placed out for collection was either too bulky to load onto the truck, or was an item or material that cannot be disposed of at the transfer station according to regulations. Examples are large furniture, appliances, hazardous materials or bags of leaves or grass clippings.

Use of unapproved containers

We cannot pick up garbage or recycling that is in containers other than the City-provided containers. The automated collection system does not work with other types of trash cans, barrels, buckets, baskets or crates. Place excess trash in plastic bags and set them on the ground at the collection point ensuring at least 3 feet of clearance around the carts. We can accept extra bags of trash only if it is on an infrequent basis.

No container used

If you are a current customer, you should use the city-provided containers. Trash that is set out loosely or in piles, or even bagged is more likely to become a bigger nuisance for you and your neighbors.

Collection point littered

The collector noticed that excess litter has accumulated around the area where he normally empties your containers. There is no requirement for your sanitation service provider to keep the collection point clean. That is the responsibility of the resident.

Frequent excess trash outside container

Our system is designed for automated collection of your trash. The collector has noticed that you frequently set out more than will fit into the cart with the lid closed. He is not required to pick up the extra bags on a regular or frequent basis. We strongly encourage you to call us and order another cart or the excess bags will not be collected. There is an additional fee for the extra cart if you already have two carts.

Containers not returned to normal storage location within 24 hours after collection

After collection, trash carts must be taken from the curb to a storage location behind the front line of your house. This can be in the back yard, garage, or side of your house. You may put your carts out for collection anytime after 5 pm the evening before your collection day. 

Trash Cart

Materials in container not approved for landfill

We cannot pick up household hazardous waste, lawn & garden waste like leaves and grass clippings or construction/remodeling debris with your regular household trash, and collectors will not sort it. Your cart probably contained a substantial amount of one or more of these kinds of material. Call us if you need more information on discarding materials not approved for disposal at the Harvey County Transfer Station.

Contents not bagged

City ordinance requires that all residents bag their trash before placing into the trash cart. The purpose is to control the spread of unsightly litter in the neighborhood.

Right-of-Way Nuisance 

• Bulky items found sitting in the public right-of-way will have a notice placed on them stating they need to be removed within 48 hours OR they need to request a bulky item pickup.
• If the items are not removed or a pickup scheduled, the items will be picked up by the City and the utility account for the property will be charged $20, double the regular bulky item fee.
• If the customer requests a bulky item pickup within the 48 hours, then they will not be charged double. They will be charged $10, the current bulky item fee.
• The notice will state the address of the property in violation, the date and time the notice was placed, and the Sanitation office number to contact with questions.
• Along with the notice placed on the item, a notice will be left on the door of the residence, and on the trash container if it happens to be their collection day.
• Sanitation inspectors and refuse collectors, along with the Environmental Control Officer, are leaving notices for the program.