Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of the "Most Frequently Asked Questions." The questions are addressed first to Disposal and then to Refuse Collection. Please do not hesitate to call our office for more information at (907) 343-6262.
Disposal
Q: I would like to come out and salvage items from the Landfill?
This activity would be in violation of SWS policy, and jeopardize the safety of the individual trying to salvage.
Q: Can I bring clean fill in for free?
No. All material brought to the facility occupies the same amount of space so therefore is charged the same amount.
Q: Can I bring an old trailer house or travel trailer in to the Landfill and how much will it cost?
Yes. The cost will be determined by the amount the unit weighs and if you intend on salvaging any parts of the framework. After dumping there will be a special handling fee associated with time spent at the facility.
Q: What can I do with this old refrigerator in my backyard?
You may bring it to the ARL or CTS facilities for disposal. You will need to have the CFC's removed by a qualified licensed appliance technician or you can have SWS perform that task for a $20.00 fee.
Q: I have a dead animal (horse, moose etc.) that I need to dispose of.
Yes. You can bring it to the Landfill during operating hours. We would like as much advance notice as possible and the earlier in the day the better. SWS will not be able to assist you with off loading so you will need to make arrangements if needed.
Q: I have some documents, alcohol, cigarettes, food products etc., that I need to have destroyed. Can you do this?
Yes. We offer this service at the Landfill and you will be charged a special handling fee.
Q: Can I bring my animal wastes to you?
Yes. We will accept them at the Landfill only. See, How do I Dispose of? for more informations.
Q: I have some Contaminated Soil to dispose of. Where can I do this?
Contaminated Soil is accepted at the ARL. See Contaminated Soil Policy for more information.
Q: I need to dispose of some Asbestos. Where can I do this?
Asbestos is accepted at the ARL. See Asbestos Policy for more information.
Q: I have a few drums of cooking oil from a deep fryer. What can I do with this material?
This material is accepted on a case by case basis. There may be a better disposal method for this product depending on its makeup. Call for further information.
Q: I have some old cans of paint, gas, used oil, batteries etc. What should I do with it?
The Hazardous Waste Collection Facilities have various guidelines. See, How do I Dispose of? for more information.
Q: I have a tote of spoiled fish, crab, shrimp etc. Where can I dispose of this?
SWS accepts these items on a case by case basis. Call for further information.
Q: I have old railroad ties, what do I do with them?
For information see, How Do I Dispose of?
Refuse Collections
Q: Why didn’t they pick up my trash, or just part of my trash?
Can/bag service:
- It wasn’t placed out in time (should be out by 7:00 a.m.)
- It was not placed to the curb or alley, whichever is applicable. (must be within 3 feet of curb/alley)
- The refuse wasn’t containerized properly (boxes and paper bags get wet on the bottom)
- Container exceeded the weight limits or size limit (70 pounds for 32-gallon cans; 35 pounds for 32 gallon bags)
- More was placed out than allowed. (4 cans or bags per week)
- Something was in your trash that is not allowed (hazardous materials, loose animal wastes, needles, loose sawdust or ashes, oil, batteries)
- Refuse was placed behind a snow berm.
- Wet refuse wasn’t wrapped or it was jammed in container, not allowing it to fall free. (We don’t want to dent your containers.)
Dumpsters
- The dumpster(s) was blocked by a vehicle, not allowing access to empty it.
- The dumpster(s) was overloaded (higher than the lids) or there was refuse in front of the dumpster preventing us from connecting to it.
- The dumpster(s) was turned by someone placing it at an angle where the driver could not hook up.
- The dumpster(s) is blocked by snow berms or it was too icy to get into location of the dumpster.
- It wasn’t the scheduled day for collection.
- Something is jammed in the container, not allowing refuse to dump freely.
Sometimes customers are missed due to new employees or equipment breakdowns. If the problem was caused by SWS, please let us know. Service will be provided
Q: What is the area we service?
See Area Map
Q: Do you pick up appliances, couches, mattresses, bed springs, tree trimmings?
We will pick up anything we can get into our trucks, with the exception of appliances containing freon (refrigerators/freezers), for an additional charge. Please call us for estimates.
Q: Can I rent a dumpster for a temporary project?
Yes, providing we can place the dumpster at your location and handle the refuse you are wanting to dispose of (no large construction/demolition/landclearing). Please call for rates.
Q: What time will my garbage be picked up?
Our crews start at 7:00 a.m., Monday through Saturday. Since many things can affect the timing of how they run their routes, the best bet is to have it out by 7:00 a.m..
Q: Do you require a deposit?
No, unless you have had prior bad credit with us.
Q: Can I get credit for the time I’m on vacation?
If your residence will be not be occupied by anyone for 30 days or more, you can receive credit for when you will be gone. You must notify us in advance and provide us with the from/to dates of the vacancy. Credit will not be given after the fact.
Q: Why do I have to have your service? I do not want or need your service. I can use my dumpster at work or haul it myself to the landfill.
Municipal code requires that all occupied properties within the Refuse Collection service area, have and use refuse collection service. The primary reasons for mandatory service is to help keep neighborhoods clean and free from litter, reduction of possible health problems and reduced costs.
Q: Do you collect refuse on holidays?
With the exception of Christmas and New Year's Day, refuse is collected on all holidays. For Christmas and New Year's Day, all affected customers are notified of an alternate day for collection.