Q. What should I consider when ordering carts?
A. When deciding which cart is right for you, it is best to plan for the times you produce the most trash. Keep in mind that most people underestimate the amount of trash they produce in a given week. During the summer, lawn clippings and yard waste typically account for a 50% increase in trash for most residents. All of this waste will need to fit in your new trash cart with the lid closed. The average Boise household disposes of three 32-gallon cans of trash -- including yard waste -- each week.
Q. If the standard 95-gallon carts do not fit my needs, then how do I order different sizes or quantities of carts?
A. Call (208) 345-1266.
Q. What size carts are available?
A. The trash and recycling carts come in three sizes:
- 95-gallons (width = 29", depth = 34", height = 41") is the standard size.
- 65-gallons (width = 25", depth = 29", height = 42.5")
- 48-gallons (width = 24", depth = 29", height = 38") is recommended for residents who have minimal trash needs and have difficulty taking carts to the curb. Please call (208) 345-1266 to see if you qualify.
If the standard 95-gallon carts do not fit your needs, then call (208) 345-1266.
Q. Do I get to choose the size and quantities of my trash and recycling carts?
A. Yes. Please note, if you do not place an order, you will receive a 95-gallon trash cart. If you recycle you will also receive a 95-gallon recycling cart. If your needs are not met by the standard 95-gallon trash and recycling carts, you can choose from the available cart sizes by calling (208) 345-1266. Yours carts will be delivered to your home between June 11 and September 4.
Q. How much will each cart hold?
A. Click here to view available cart sizes.
Q. What color are the carts?
A. Trash carts are gray. Recycling carts are blue.
Q. If I already have a gray trash cart, will I get a new cart?
A. No, you will only receive a new cart if you request a different size, need more than one cart, or if you have a damaged cart that needs to be replaced. You can place your order by calling (208) 345-1266.
Q. What if I need more than three 95-gallon trash carts?
A. We will work with you to accommodate your disposal needs. Call (208) 384-3901 to request a waiver for additional cart services.
Q. May I have more than one 95-gallon recycling cart?
A. One cart is the standard. Call (208) 384-3901 to request a waiver for additional cart services.
Q. Do I need to close the lid completely on the carts? Or can materials extend above the cart?
A. The lid must be closed completely. Overfilling the cart can damage the cart and collection equipment and create litter during dumping.
Q. Will the new carts fit in narrow alleys?
A. Yes, the new carts will actually help reduce clutter and consolidate space taken up by smaller trash and recycling containers.
Q. I feel guilty about putting yard waste in the trash. What can I do to reduce the amount of waste that goes in the trash?
A. The best way to handle yard waste is to keep it at home. By throwing your organic materials into a compost bin and allowing them to decompose, you can produce wonderful fertilizer for your garden beds, as well as divert waste from the landfill. Use a mulching lawn mower and leave grass clippings on the lawn. Wood waste can be self-hauled to the landfill where it is chipped and reused. The gate fee for wood waste disposal is discounted. Yard waste that cannot be recycled at home must fit in the wheeled cart.
The Ada County Landfill employs a methane recapture system to generate electricity and produce power to thousands of local homes. The presence of yard waste and other organic materials in the landfill actually facilitates the generation of gas and more electricity. Implementing a citywide compost facility would require a third set of truck routes, increasing the noise and CO2 emissions in our neighborhoods.