Acceptable & Unacceptable Refuse Collection Items
Acceptable Items
The following items are considered regular household refuse. REGULAR REFUSE ITEMS DO NOT REQUIRE A PHONE CALL. All items must fit loosely in the automated collection barrel. If not, you will need to purchase a permit and arrange for a special bulky waste or metal collection. It is the resident's responsibility to ensure that the following items meet the specific requirements listed below:
- Latex Paint Cans: Only empty and dry cans will be accepted. Cans with liquid remaining should be left open until the contents are solid. Sawdust and cat litter can be added to speed up drying.
- Sawdust and Ashes must be cold and placed in a plastic bag and tied securely.
- Shipping Peanuts must be placed in a plastic bag and tied securely.
- Formica and Non-recyclable Plastic & Glass must be broken into small pieces.
- Branches and Brush must be bundled and tied in 4 foot lengths. See Recycling Center.
- Wood: Large items that cannot fit into your automated barrel are bulky collection items. Check the Bulky & Metal Collection for details.
- Household Batteries manufactured after 1997 contain no hazardous waste and can be disposed of in the trash.
- Prescription and Over the Counter Medicines: Do not flush medicine down the sink or toilet. This pollutes water and negatively affects fish, wildlife, drinking water supplies, septic systems, and sewage treatment plants. Properly dispose of medication by adding water to pill bottles or a non-toxic powder to liquid medications to prevent someone from eating it. Labels can be removed, colored over with a marker or covered with duct tape. Place the medicine bottle in a bag or container to conceal and throw it in the trash.
- Televisions that fit loosely into your automated barrel (See Bulky Collection for TV’s that will not fit loosely in your automated barrel.)
Unacceptable Refuse Collection Items
- Explosives
- Biological waste
- Hazardous chemical substances (see Household Hazardous Waste)
- Radioactive materials
- Human or animal waste
- Animal remains. Contact your veterinarian or a private wildlife control service.
- Automotive parts
- Liquid waste
- Radioactive medical waste, including human and pet waste. Check with your doctor or veterinarian.
- Recyclable materials
- Grass Clippings
are a state-mandated recyclable item, and are not collected with refuse. Residents are encouraged to use a mulching mower or compost their clippings. Thatch and weeds are considered grass.
Residents can dispose of their grass clippings at the Recycling Center at a cost of $59/ton, with a $7minimum charge. Most residents end up paying the $7 minimum. This fee covers the cost to ship the grass to a site registered by the DEP to compost grass. West Hartford does not have a site that meets the DEP registration requirements
