HOME > DEPARTMENTS > PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Trash cart requests

---

A 35-gallon trash container is considered the standard for a single-family residence, as stated by council vote since 2009. All new deliveries made after this date will receive the standard size cart. We will require in most cases, the cart is to be used at least 60 days before a request can be accepted for a larger or additional cart.

Exceptions for a second can or larger can are allowed on a case-by-case basis

The criteria and procedure for determining qualification is as follows:

1. Size of family - Exceptions are made for:
   1. Households 4 to 5 or more members, and maximum recycling is being achieved.
   2. People sharing the 35-gallon cart and request an assessment.
   3. A family of fewer than 4-5 people but have kids in diapers or family medical waste, a DPW staff member can offer to evaluate if they are doing the best recycling they can. After an assessment reveals maximum recycling is being achieved, a larger or additional container will be assigned.
   4. Families over 6 that are recycling to their fullest potential may qualify for a larger 95 gallon cart.
   
   
   
2. Maximum recycling is being achieved - determined by examining the items tossed into the green trash cart.
   1. The evaluator must confirm that the family is separating all recyclable items from their trash. The list of recyclable items is described in the literature delivered with every trash cart as part of the City's trash and recycling program. See brochure "City of Saco Curbside Recycling Program." The list includes newspapers and inserts, magazines, catalogs, flyers and similar paper, telephone directories, office paper, school paper, unwanted mail, cardboard boxes, cereal boxes, paper egg cartons, pizza boxes, cardboard six-pack holders, steel and aluminum food and beverage cans, glass jars and bottles, and plastics numbered 1 through 7 (no Styrofoam even though it's labeled #6)
   2. Evaluator will also determine that only allowable items are being placed in the trash cart (No construction or yard waste) All larger, non kitchen type waste, goes to the Transfer Station.
   3. Should the DPW staff member determine that all recyclable paper, cardboard, metal, glass and plastic accepted in the Saco recycling program have been sorted from the trash container, a second or larger cart could be provided by the City.