Automated Trash & Recycling Collection
UPDATE April 12, 2024: Trash/Recycling collection will take place as usual on Patriots' Day, Monday, April 15. Place carts curbside by 7am to ensure collection.
UPDATE (January 30, 2024): You must use a Town of Falmouth trash and recycling cart to participate in curbside collection in Falmouth. Carts must be placed curbside by 7am to ensure collection. Carts must be properly placed to ensure pickup. See placement guide below. Avoid placing carts on the sidewalk or shoulder if possible as a courtesy to bicyclists and pedestrians. Yellow trash bags are still required for trash collection.
Automated collection and new collection routes are in effect. Find new collection schedule here. Find Casella's Informational Brochure here.
Visit Casella's Information Page for Falmouth
Automated Collection | New Carts | Cart Delivery & Implementation | Cart Placement | Route Changes | Yellow Trash Bags | Frequently Asked Questions | More Information
Beginning in fall 2023, Falmouth transitioned to an automated waste collection system. Like many communities in Southern Maine, Falmouth contracts with Casella Waste Systems for residential curbside trash and recycling collection. Casella is now moving to an automated collection system which requires use of Town-owned trash and recycling carts along its routes. All communities contracting with Casella are required to transition to the new automated system. No other waste hauler in the region offers rear loading collection.
Automated collection requires specialized trucks with an automated side loader. From inside the truck, the driver controls a mechanical arm which grabs the trash or recycling cart and dumps it into the truck. These automated trucks save time, labor costs, and are generally safer for employees. For communities, there is an initial expense involved in this transition: namely the purchase of new trash and recycling carts for every residence. These new carts are specifically created to function with the automated trucks’ mechanical arm. For Falmouth, this means approximately 10,000 carts are needed to provide every residence with both a trash and recycling cart.
Falmouth worked with neighboring communities in a joint bid process to purchase new trash and recycling carts. The Town awarded a contract to Toter, an industry leader, who offered a local representative for on-site assistance and high-quality stackable, fully recyclable carts, composed of up to 50% recycled content. The 64-gallon carts have wheels for easy maneuvering and attached lids to keep trash and recyclables dry and secure. Falmouth was fortunate to receive a grant of $25,000 from The Recycling Partnership to fund a portion of the needed recycling carts. The grant will also cover the costs of some educational and outreach materials related to the transition. The Town will rely on uncommitted fund balances to pay for the remainder of the carts. Residents will not be charged for carts and their purchase will have no impact on the mil rate. The total cost to the Town is approximately $600,000.
Cart Delivery & Implementation
A trash cart and a recycling cart have been delivered to residents’ homes. Automated collection and the new collection route schedule went into effect on Monday, December 4. Note, some routes have changed. Find the new collection schedule here. Additional information on new routes and cart placement was included in a packet attached to the carts upon distribution. Going forward, you must use the new carts to participate in curbside collection service in Falmouth.
Carts must be placed at least 3 feet apart and at least 3 feet away from other objects like mailboxes or utility poles. The arrows on each lid should be pointing toward the street. See placement guide here or below. Improperly placed carts cannot be collected. Avoid placing carts on the sidewalk or shoulder if possible as a courtesy to bicyclists and pedestrians.
As part of this transition, Casella added an additional collection day (Monday) to Falmouth’s collection schedule. As a result, collection days may change for some residents. Find the new collection schedule here. Be sure to check and see if your collection day has changed. The new collection schedule was implemented beginning December 4.
Falmouth will continue its “Pay As You Throw” (PAYT) waste disposal fee structure. Yellow bags are still required for trash disposal. Recycling should be placed directly into the new recycling carts and not in a bag. Everything must be placed in the cart for collection. Additional bags, bins, or broken-down boxes sitting next to the carts cannot be collected. If you have additional items to dispose of you may hold them until your next collection day or bring them to the Transfer Station on Woods Road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the new carts? Yes. To participate in curbside collection in Falmouth you must use the new carts that work in conjunction with the new automated collection trucks.
When do I start using the new carts? Begin using the carts upon receipt for your next regularly scheduled collection day.
Will my collection day change? It's possible. Consult the new collection schedule. The new collection schedule will begin December 4.
What should I do with my old bins? We encourage residents to reuse their old bins for other storage (firewood/kindling, CLYNK, wrapping paper/holiday décor, toys, sports equipment, brush). You may also bring old bins to the Transfer Station for recycling. Bins in good shape will be put to use elsewhere. Click here to learn about converting your old trash can into a compost bin.
Can I recycle the plastic bag attached to my cart? Yes, but not in your recycle bin. The Town of Falmouth worked with our partners at Casella and The Recycling Project to find a sustainable way to secure informational packets to the carts. Unfortunately, as many communities before us have discovered, the best way to keep the information from falling into the cart, getting wet, or blowing away is to include it in a plastic bag. These bags can be recycled at facilities who offer this service. You can bring your bag to Town Hall and we will recycle it at the correct facility for you. Alternatively you can return these plastic bags to these merchants who will recycle them for you. Learn more about recycling plastic bags here.
Are the new carts mine to keep? The Town of Falmouth purchased these carts for each residence. The carts should remain with the property should you move.
I didn't get any carts. What should I do? If you have not received carts, call 207-781-3919.
I'm on a "back down" street. What does that mean? If you live on a back down street (click here for routes, streets with asterisks are back down streets) Casella is unable to turnaround on your road because it is too narrow or a dead end. Therefore, the truck must back down the entire length of the road. As a result, all carts must be located on the same side of the road for collection. The automatic arm of the truck is located on the passenger side of the vehicle, so carts must be placed on the right side of the road--that is the driver's right/passenger side as they back down the road or your right as you exit your street.
My cart lid doesn't fit or my can looks misshapen. What should I do? Some carts may become compressed or lids may become distorted during shipment. Usually, after sitting outside in the sun for a few days, the carts will return to their correct shape and the lid will fit. Please allow for this adjustment period before calling Public Works. If you cart appears cracked or broken, call 207-781-3919.
Can I opt out of this service? Yes. You may choose to bring your trash and recycling to the Transfer Station. Trash must be in yellow Town trash bags and your vehicle must have a Transfer Station sticker. Call Public Works at 207-781-3919 to opt out.
My trash was not collected. Who do I call? If your carts were placed curbside by 7am and not collected, contact Casella Customer Service at: 207-883-9777.
The Town will provide additional information regarding cart delivery and the implementation of the new collection system via its website, E-Alerts, social media sites, newsletter, direct mailings, and Forecaster ads. Residents are strongly encouraged to subscribe to News & Announcements E-Alerts to receive the most up-to-date information regarding this transition. Subscribe at: www.falmouthme.org/subscribe.