QUINCY (WGEM) - City officials have announced the upcoming changes to Quincy’s garbage and recycling programs.

Officials stated that on May 1, the following changes will be implemented.

Garbage Collection:

• The price for garbage will increase to $1.50 for a small bag (2 blue stickers or 1 red sticker) and $3 for a large bag over 16 gallons (4 blue stickers or 2 red stickers).
• The City will not order “red” stickers until the supply of blue stickers has been depleted.
• The price for the City garbage tote service will remain at $12.99 per month for a 96-gallon tote. Residents can sign up for the program by contacting the Department of Utilities at 217-228-4580. A one-time delivery fee of $60 will be charged for new customers. Bags inside a city garbage tote do not need a sticker.
• Residents who use more than 4 large bags a month will save money utilizing the garbage tote program versus the sticker program.
• All garbage bags, regardless of service provider, must be in a bin with a lid.
• Private haulers must identify their customers with their company’s name on the front of the trash containers they collect.

Opt-In Recycling Program:

• On May 1 the City will switch to an opt-in recycling program.
• Residents may opt into the program by calling the Department of Utilities or by signing up at City Hall. Residents will need their utilities account password to sign-up over the phone.
• The cost is $5 a month to participate in the city’s recycling program.
• A resident’s first tote will be free. Residents can purchase one additional recycle tote for $7. (The monthly cost will remain the same.)
• Customers who opt-in prior to May 1 will have a new recycle tote delivered to their home. After that date residents can pick up their tote at city hall or one will be delivered to them.
• Residents may place their orange recycle tote next to their garbage and the City will collect it after May 1.
• There is no change to what items are able to be recycled in the program. (Plastic containers bearing 1 or 2, tin food or beverage cans, newspapers, magazines, office paper, junk mail, corrugated cardboard, container board).

The Public Safety Fee of $4 a month charged to City of Quincy utilities customers within city limits will expire on May 1.

Courtesy : wgem.com