by Judi Gray

Confused about what can be placed in the yellow and blue recycle bins or the amount of trash that can be placed at the curb for weekly pickup? Hopefully the following information will help banish that uncertainty.

Paper products are to go in the yellow recycle bins. This would include newspapers, magazines/catalogs, unwanted mail, school/office papers, phone books, paper bags and all cardboard boxes (including beverage cartons, tissue boxes, dry food boxes, corrugated cardboard. Boxes must be flattened and cut to 3’ x 3’ maximum.

Recyclable containers go in your blue recycle bin. These include plastic containers, steel cans, aluminum cans, foil pie plates, drink boxes, milk and juice cartons and glass bottles and jars.

Contamination affects the marketability of the materials collected so be careful not to place plastic grocery bags, Styrofoam or food waste in your recycle bins.
If you need to replace your recycle bins or if you would like to order a set of bins you can call the Solid Waste Authority (SWA) at 561-123-4567

Residential Yard Waste (Vegetation) Collection
The limit allowed for the collection of yard waste (loose and containerized combined) is 6 cubic yards per week, which is equivalent to 3 standard size refrigerators. With the exception of tree branches and palm fronds, yard waste must be containerized in standard 32-50 gallon cans or sealed in plastic bags. Weight is not to exceed 50 pounds and branches must be less than 6 feet in length. Do not mix yard waste with garbage or other debris.

Construction Debris
Home construction rubbish is limited to 2 cubic yards per collection (equal to a standard size refrigerator). Items must be containerized in standard 32-50 gallon cans or sealed in plastic bags and weigh no more than 50 pounds. Carpeting must be cut to 4-foot lengths, and rolled up. With the exception of carpeting, any construction debris from minor home repairs placed on the ground and not containerized will not be collected. Major construction debris such as roofing shingles, fencing, concrete blocks, bricks, and asphalt are never collected curbside.

Hazardous Waste Material Disposal
Household hazardous wastes such as propane tanks, fluorescent light bulbs, oil based paint, auto batteries and pesticides are not collected curbside. You may drop off your hazardous waste at any designated SWA site at no charge. The closest drop off site for Lakes residents is located at 6161 North Jog Road, West Palm Beach 33412. Operation hours are Monday through Friday from 7 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 7 am to 5 pm.

For additional information about the Solid Waste Authority please visit their web site at www.SWA.org

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