WM institutes $1.75 a bag policy for residential trash

ROCHESTER - Waste Management recently notified the City of Rochester of significant challenges regarding misuse at the Rochester Residential Drop Off Center.

In response to ongoing issues, Waste Management is taking corrective measures to curb the inflow of trash from neighboring communities.

The company is now enforcing a previously overlooked section of the agreement with the city, regarding a requirement for purchased stickers on Residential Solid Waste. According to a recent release from city officials, the City of Rochester supports this decision, citing evidence of abuse at the Residential Drop-Off Facility.

Residential Solid Waste, encompassing non-hazardous household garbage, food waste, and trash, generated from normal household activities, must be bagged. Stickers, currently priced at $1.75 per 30-33 gallon bag, are mandatory and available at the City of Rochester's Tax and Auto Registration Office, located in the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center, 150 Wakefield St. The city is actively exploring alternative distribution options and locations.

When utilizing the Drop Off Center, residents are urged to remove recyclables from bags and place them in designated containers. Waste Management's preference is for all baggable items, including toys, clothing, blankets, and similar articles, to be bagged with the appropriate sticker. Proper bagging prevents leakage, breakage, spilling, and the scattering of loose materials.

The Drop Off Center will continue accepting waste from normal household activities, including leaf and yard waste, tires, old CRT televisions and monitors, scrap metal, bulky items, recyclables, and acceptable construction and demolition debris. However, appliances containing CFCs, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers, will not be accepted.

Acceptable construction and demolition materials are generated from minor renovation or demolition activities on primary personal residences.

Residents are advised to plan ahead and keep stickers on hand for use at the Drop Off Center.

For additional information, general inquiries, and complaints, call Waste Management at 1 (800) 972-4545.