Ensuring effective waste management is essential for maintaining the cleanliness and safety of our community. The City of Fairbanks has established specific guidelines to help residents comply with garbage collection requirements. These guidelines aim to provide a safe and efficient service for all city residents. Below are detailed explanations of the compliance requirements:
General Guidelines for Residential Household Trash Collection
Collection Schedule:
- Trash is collected from Monday to Wednesday between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
- Residents must have their garbage curbside by 7:00 AM on their scheduled collection day to ensure pickup.
Holiday Schedule:
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Trash will not be collected on specific holidays. Instead, it will be picked up on the next workday. Regularly scheduled pickups will resume following the holiday.
Compliance Requirements
- Animal Waste:
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Garbage containing animal waste or kitty litter will not be collected. These materials should be disposed of separately in accordance with local health and safety guidelines.
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- Blocked/Not Accessible:
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Garbage must be placed in a visible and accessible location, free from obstructions such as vehicles or snow berms. This ensures that the collection crew can easily retrieve the trash without complications. (Sec. 66-44 and Sec. 66-43c)
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- Bundle/Tie:
- Wet cardboard containers will not be collected. Boxes must be folded flat and tied in bundles. Similarly, carpets and brush must be rolled, tied, and not exceed 4 feet in length.
- Construction Debris:
- Any debris resulting from construction must be removed by the contractor responsible for the project. Construction waste is not eligible for residential trash collection. (Sec 66-2b)
- Frozen in Can:
- Trash bags must be removable from the can. Bags frozen inside the can will not be collected.
- Hazardous Materials:
- Garbage bags containing hazardous materials such as petroleum products, cooking oil, paint, chemicals, or any toxic or flammable waste are prohibited. Special handling and pickup arrangements are required for items like ashes, soot, fluorescent bulbs, broken glass, and syringes/sharps. Residents should contact Public Works at 459-6770 for separate pickup services, which are provided free of charge. Disposal of hides or scraps from hunting, trapping, or fishing must follow the Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB) Landfill instructions. (Sec. 66-42)
- Heavy/Overweight:
- Each garbage bag must not exceed a weight limit of 40 pounds, though there is no limit to the number of bags put out. For items exceeding this weight limit, such as appliances or furniture, separate collection arrangements with Public Works are necessary, and additional fees may apply. (Sec. 66-24)
- Late Garbage:
- Trash must be placed at the curbside by 7:00 AM on the day of collection to ensure pickup.
- Loose Trash:
- Garbage that has been disturbed or spread by animals should be covered with a tarp or blanket to prevent future issues. Residents must clean loose trash from bins and the surrounding area. All garbage should be placed in tied bags, wrapped, or bundled. (Sec. 66-42)
- Maggots:
- Trash bags containing rotten food or maggots will not be collected. This measure prevents the spread of foul odors and pests. (Sec. 66-43)
- Needle Violation:
- Syringes or sharps require special handling and pickup arrangements. Residents should contact Public Works at 459-6770 to schedule a separate pickup, free of charge. Additionally, Public Works can provide a replacement sharps container upon request. (Sec. 66-42b and Sec. 66-24b)
- Not Curbside:
- Garbage bags must be placed curbside or at the edge of the road, away from the property line and outside of fences. Garbage found in the ditch line must be relocated curbside or at the road’s edge. (Sec. 66-41b and Sec. 66-43c)
- Bin Maintenance:
- Trash bins must be properly constructed, well-maintained, and sanitary. They should be positioned to allow easy access for the collection crew. (Sec. 66-43 and Sec. 66-62c)
- Non-Compliance:
- Repeated non-compliance with the city’s garbage collection requirements may result in additional charges on your billing statement. (Sec. 66-24b)
- Business Trash:
- Only residential garbage is eligible for collection. Business or commercial waste, including materials from commercial activities or establishments, is strictly prohibited from curbside collection. Businesses are responsible for arranging their own waste disposal services in accordance with local regulations. (Sec. 66-2b)
Special Collection Services
Residents must schedule the pickup of specific items with Public Works before collection. These services are available at no extra charge every Thursday, provided they are arranged by the preceding Wednesday.
Prohibited Items
Prohibited items include hazardous materials, animal waste, hunting scraps, construction debris, auto parts, medical waste, propane tanks, and maggot-infested trash.
Additional Guidelines
- Dispose of syringes/needles in an approved container or an empty plastic jug/bottle with a secured cap or lid.
- Ash and soot should be bagged and disposed of as cold ashes/soot into a plastic bag.
- Avoid placing extra items near trash bags, remove bags from bins for collection, and clean around the garbage area regularly.
- Dispose of cooking oils, paints, cleaning fluids, insecticides, solvents, acids, gasoline, and other toxic or flammable waste properly.
- Oversized items like furniture, brush, and appliances (excluding refrigerators, air conditioners, or freezers) can be picked up for an additional fee; contact Public Works for a current fee schedule.
The City of Fairbanks is committed to providing efficient waste collection services while ensuring the safety and cleanliness of the community. For more information or assistance, please contact Public Works at 459-6770.