Wyandotte Adopts New Waste Container Requirements

Updated 12/2/13 3:58 pm ET --  adds comment.

Wyandotte has adopted a new ordinance that requires residents to use city-approved toters or trash containers that are 32 gallons or less. 

The order, which takes effect Feb. 1 2014, will no longer permit the use of plastic bags as containers for trash. The 32-gallon receptacle must have a water tight, fly-proof and odor-proof cover. There is a maximum weight limit of 60 pounds of waste per container.

Trash cans that do not meet these requirements will not be collected, the city said.

Mark Kowalewski, Wyandotte city engineer, said the move is not an attempt at making all residents purchase the large trash toters that the city sells.

“We’ve had problems with rat control, like other cities, and we’re trying to do everything we can so that we don’t continue to have that…problem,” Kowalewski said. Plastic bags may be placed inside your container.  

However, residents interested in using trash cans that exceed 32 gallons must purchase a 96-gallon city-approved toter, which can hold up to 250 pounds.

The use of large, bulky receptacles over 32-gallons in size for solid waste can cause serious injuries to sanitation workers including wrist sprains and back injuries, the city said. 

Collection workers lift between 800 and 1,000 containers per day.

“It’s a convenience thing. You can put as much as you want into the 96 gallon can…because they are mechanically lifted into the truck,” Kowalewski said.

Cans can be placed out after 6 p.m. the day before scheduled collection, and no later than 5 a.m. on collection day. All empty containers must be removed by 8 p.m. on the day following collection.

Large, bulky items can still be placed next to the receptacle.

Waste Management currently provides trash pickup for Wyandotte.