Since we are getting new containers, what should we do with our old ones?

In late April, after the new containers have been delivered, you will have opportunity to put signs ("TAKE CAN AS TRASH") on your unwanted containers and they will be disposed of. However, the old containers belong to you, so you might want to repurpose them. Here are a few possibilities:

  • Use your unwanted trash container for storage. They work great to store garden tools: shovels, rakes, hoes, stakes, . . . . If it has a good lid, Trash containers work well to keep kindling dry too.
  • Give them to a friend who lives in a in a private development or in another town. Trash and recycling containers can be costly. You could easily save your friend $100 or more.
  • Make a rain barrel. See the You Tube video: "How to make a Rain Barrel out of a Garbage Can."
  • Make an outdoor composter. A couple different approaches to outdoor composting can be seen on You Tube: "DIY Trash Can Compost Bin" and "Are Trash Can Composters Worth it?"
  • Make a planter.
  • Flip it up-side-down to use as a portable table.

Show All Answers

1. I am a homeowner who lives along a public road. How do I order my new containers for trash and recycling?
2. I am a homeowner who is 65 years old and I live along a public road. The 96-gallon containers are bigger than what I need for recycling. Can I get a smaller container to use for recycling?
3. I understand that by default, most homeowners get one 64-gallon container for trash. Can I get two 32-gallon containers instead?
4. I have a green, 18-gallon toter that I bought from the City. Can I use it for curbside pick up after April 1st?
5. Can I leave cardboard boxes out for curbside collection as long as they are next to my recycling bin?
6. Since we are getting new containers, what should we do with our old ones?
7. How can I get rid of my old trash and recycling containers?
8. What are backdown streets? Am I affected?
9. How should the new containers be left out on collection day?