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.
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)
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.
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)
Trash bags must be removable from the can. Bags frozen inside the can will not be collected.
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)
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)
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)
Trash bags containing rotten food or maggots will not be collected. This measure prevents the spread of foul odors and pests. (Sec. 66-43)
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)
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)
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)
Many of our customers prefer to place their bagged refuse in a bin for weekly collection. Bins can be an effective deterrent to unleashed dogs and ravens, and if properly constructed and maintained prove to be an asset to both the customer and the collector.
Owners of multi-living complexes have the option to contract dumpster services with a commercial garbage service. If you choose this option, please notify the City of Fairbanks Finance Department at 459-6713 to remove your residence from the City’s billing system. Garbage bins must be large enough to accommodate all the trash from the tenants. Please note that only buildings with proof of dumpster service or a structure deemed uninhabitable by the City of Fairbanks Building Department are exempt from payment.
We understand that everyone's needs are different in terms of capacity and aesthetics. Please use the following guidelines to construct a bin that will fit your needs and allow us to provide you with a clean and efficient refuse collection service. Remember, if you choose to construct a bin, it is your responsibility to maintain the bin and the area around it in a sanitary manner including snow removal to allow access to the bin and to open doors.
- Elevate the bin to a height of 30” (inches) above ground level.
- Construct an adequate size bin. If you need more capacity, increase the length of your bin.
- Height: maximum 4’ (feet)
- Depth: maximum 3’ (feet)
- Length: to your capacity expectations.
- Mount the doors to open horizontally onto the street.
- Make the doors large enough to remove a large bag of refuse.
- Make the doors full height so there are no lips or ledges to snag bags on.
- Provide a screened window in the doors for ventilation.
- If you install a latch on the doors, make sure the latch mechanism is easily workable (collection crews wear heavy gloves during extreme weather).
- Install handles on the doors that a worker can easily grasp while wearing heavy gloves.
- Slope the roof away from the street so that rain and snowmelt will run off the back side of the bin.
- Drill holes in the floor to let liquids escape. (This is handy when cleaning out your bin).
- Contact Public Works at 459-6770 before you place your bin to determine the best position for you and for us.
DO NOT:
- Allow any fasteners, nails, screws, screening, chicken wire etc. to be exposed where they will cut and tear your bags.
- Extend an overhang over the front of your bin.
- Exceed a depth of 3’ (feet).
- Allow loose trash or improperly tied bags to accumulate in and around your bin.
Repeated non-compliance with the city’s garbage collection requirements may result in additional charges on your billing statement. (Sec. 66-24b)
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)