Frequently Asked Questions – For Customers 

1. When will our service begin?
   Solid Waste Services will begin collecting garbage, recyclables, yard waste and bulky items the week of June 29, 2009.  
2. How can I find my collection day?
   There are two ways to find out your collection day:
          In the mail – The week of June 1, you should receive a welcome packet in the mail.  The welcome packet will include your new collection day.
          On the web – You can log on to http://curbit.charmeck.org and click the Getting Annexed link.  From there follow the link to the address information center, where you will be prompted to enter your address to receive your collection day for garbage, recycling and yard waste.  
3. Will I use my current garbage can and recycling bin?
   No.  Solid Waste Services will provide you with a new gray garbage rollout cart and red recycling bin.  You should receive your new City-issued cart and bin no later than June 19.  If your new cart and bin has not arrived by June 22, please call CharMeck 311 by dialing 311 or 704.336.7600. Representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 
4. What if I don't get a rollout cart?
   If you haven't received a gray, City-issued garbage cart and red recycling bin by June 22, please call 311or 704.336.7600.   
5. What do I do with my old garbage can and recycling bin?
   Solid Waste Services has contacted your current service provider to alert them that you will be begin receiving City Solid Waste Services the week of Monday, June 29, 2009.  You should expect your service provider to contact you regarding the collection of your current garbage cart and recycling bin.  If your service provider does not contact you, please contact them.  There is a chance that your new City-issued garbage cart and recycling bin will arrive prior to the pick-up of your old one.  Please do not place your new, City-issued cart and bin at curbside until your first collection day. 
6. When should I put my garbage out?
   Garbage, recyclables, yard waste and bulky items should all be placed at curbside no later than 6:30 a.m. on your scheduled day of collection.  Residents that place items at curbside prior to the day before their scheduled day may be fined $50.  Residents may also receive a fine of $50 for garbage carts and recycling bins left at curbside after midnight on their collection day.
7.  Some homes in my neighborhood have City-issued roll-out containers, while others do not.  Why?
   There are two primary reasons that residents in your neighborhood have different rollout carts. 
   First, while every attempt is made to include entire neighborhoods in annexation areas, occasionally neighborhoods are split by annexations, and portions of neighborhoods remain outside the City limits.  Only those homes within City limits are provided with City Solid Waste Services.  So, the portions of those neighborhoods in the City would receive the City-issued carts and those outside the City would not. 
   Second, many multi-family developments (i.e. many apartment complexes and condominium developments) receive solid waste services from the City by way of dumpsters or compactors, so these addresses would not receive the roll-out containers from the City.
   If neither of these reasons seems to fit your situation, please call 311or 704.336.7600. 
8. What do I do if my garbage isn't collected?
   You can report missed garbage, recyclables, yard waste and bulky item collections by calling 311 or 704.336.7600.   
9. Is there a cost for bulky item collection?
   Unlike the other municipalities, Charlotte's bulky item program is provided with no upfront-collection fee for residents.  The bulky item collection service is an on-call service, meaning residents must call to schedule bulky items for collection.  The City of Charlotte's bulky item collection service provides City residents with weekly collection of bulky items as a part of its CURB IT! collection program.   You have two options for scheduling a bulky item collection. You can:
   Call 311 or 704.336.7600
   Schedule online at http://curbit.charmeck.org.  Click CURB IT! then bulky items.
10. I live in a multi-family complex and we currently have curb service, but I was told that when we were annexed we would get dumpster service.  Is this true? 
    If your complex has 30 or more units, this is true.  Multi-family complexes in the City of Charlotte with 30 or more units receive garbage, recycling and bulky item collection service under a special contract.  Residents in these complexes do not receive rollout curbside service.  They are provided with dumpsters or compactor service.  Through City contracts residents receive service from a private company that will collect garbage and recyclables on an established weekly schedule.  Bulky item collection service should be scheduled for collection.  Coordination of a central drop-off location will be coordinated with your property manager or home owners association president.  Please contact them for more information. 
11. If so, why can't you provide us with curb service?
    Providing service to multi-family customers under a contract allows Solid Waste Services to keep costs low and provide efficient service.  
12.  Do you provide special collection services for disabled residents?
    Yes, Solid Waste Services provides backyard garbage and recycling collection for disabled residents. To see if you qualify for disability collection services: 
    Call 311 or 704.336.7600 to request a disability application. Return the application to Solid Waste Services as indicated on the application.  Your physician must fill out part of the form. Once the application is received, a Solid Waste representative will verify the application information and notify you of your application status. Please continue to place items at curbside until you are notified of your status.