1. Why is the city changing how it collects trash? What are the benefits?

• Increased employee safety by reducing lifting and proximity to trash
• Cleaner streets and stormwater systems
• Improved collections operations and efficiency
• Ease of use for community members
• Improved curb appeal on “trash day”

2. When were new trash bins be delivered?

Trash bins were delivered in March and April of 2025.

3. Will the modernization change my fees?

No. The refuse fees will stay the same for households that only have one bin.

4. What will I receive?

Each account address will receive either one 45-gallon bin or one 95-gallon bin. The default is the 95-gallon bin. You will receive the 45-gallon if you indicated in surveys over the last couple years that you’d prefer the smaller size. If you are unsure about what bin you may be signed up for, please reach out to Public Works: 540.332.3892.

5. What are the dimensions of the bins?

6. Can I have more than 1 trash can?

If you have the 95-gallon bin and consistently have too much trash, you have the option of adding a 2^nd 95-gallon bin at an additional cost. Use this online form to apply for a 2nd 95-gallon bin. 

7. What is the cost of adding a 2^nd bin?

Customers that choose to add the service of a 2nd bin, will pay an additional $12 / month.

8. What happens if my bin breaks?

These bins have a 10-year manufacturer warranty. If your bin breaks, please call Public Works to get it replaced 540.332.3892. The phone number for Public Works is also on the bin.

9. What can I do with extra trash on occasional weeks?

For overflow, use a new bag tag sticker. The occasional extra bag of trash placed outside of the bin will be collected by crews if the bag is tagged with an official City of Staunton bag tag sticker. These are single use stickers that you affix to each additional bag of trash. Tags can be pre-purchased in City Hall from the Utility Payment Office and at Public Works. Bag tags can also be ordered through the mail using this form. 

10. Why do I need to pay more to service an extra bin or extra bags? You're already at my house?

It's important to note that the costs  of trash collection extend beyond pickup. Throwing away more trash costs more money at the landfill because localities are charged based on weight. Additionally, opening and closing new landfill cells costs millions of dollars, and the lifespan of the landfill is directly impacted by the volume of trash. Throwing away more trash costs more and shortens the lifespan of the landfill leading to additional significant costs. Even after moving on to a new cell for landfilling, the closed one must be monitored for decades with continuing cost. Proper waste management helps stretch these significant long-term expenses while maintaining current service fees.

11. Can I use the bin I already have? I think it would work with the tippers.

Moving to a city-owned trash can at each residence will ensure that crews won’t damage resident’s personal trash cans. The new bins also have unique identifiers as part of a smarter trash system, as a whole, designed to work with the tippers and new software on routes. The uniform bins will make collection more streamlined and provide a much better look around the city. The bins also stay with the property, not the homeowner or tenant, simplifying things when people move. Standardizing the system will make trash collection more accurate and efficient for both residents and crews.

12. Do these trash bins belong to me?

No. The bins are the property of the City of Staunton and are meant for use by the service address, not to the property occupant. If you move, the trash bin remains at the property for the next occupant.

13. Is there assistance available for people with disabilities or that need extra help?

Yes. As part of this modernization, there is a Special Placement / Assistance Application that can be filled out and filed with Public Works. Please give them a call if you are interested in filling out the form: 540.332.3892.

14. What can I do with my “old trash bin?”

The city will collect old bins as trash if you cannot think of a way to repurpose your bin (storage, compost, watering barrel, taking recycling to the recycling center, sell/donate to a neighbor, etc.) Clearly mark it as trash (taping a note to it will suffice) and put the empty bin near your city-issued bin for trash collection.

15. What should I do with yard waste?

The city has a yard waste collection program that residents can enroll in if they choose. Participants will receive a dedicated and differentiated 95-gallon container with a beige lid specifically for yard waste, which will be picked up once a month – typically the first Wednesday of the month. To get a yard waste bin residents will sign up with a one-time, refundable $50 deposit by filling out an online form.

16. How is this better for the environment?

With the current system, many trash cans lack lids and bags are often placed on the ground. This creates opportunities for animals to tear into the trash, scattering it around. Additionally, bags occasionally rip open while being collected and carried to the truck. Loose trash often ends up on the street, in the neighbors’ yards, or in storm drains, ultimately polluting local waterways. This new system should greatly reduce, if not eliminate, these issues. The new cans with secure lids will help keep the trash contained and prevent critters from getting in, and ensure that all trash makes it into the truck. Also, offering residents the option for a free yard waste pickup will prevent yard waste from ending up in the landfill, where it often goes now, and instead allow it to be mulched and reused. Finally, if this new system does inspire anyone to throw away less trash, any amount of diversion from the landfill is environmentally conscious.

17. Can I write my address on the bin?

Public Works recommends writing your house number or using adhesive numbers on the inside of your bin lid. Other than this, please do not mark the bins in any way.

18. Will it be linked to my address?

Yes. The bins have serial numbers and RFID (radio frequency identification) chips that will be linked to your specific service address. If bins get misplaced or mixed up with neighbors this will help track them down.

19. Is there a cost difference for the 95- gallon vs. 45-gallon bin sizes?

No. Cost for trash service on either bin size will remain the same as current trash collection fees.

20. What about cardboard boxes and large items?

Cardboard boxes can be recycled at the Recycling Center. Customers may also place cardboard next to the city-issued bin (without a bag tag) for pickup as long as it is flattened and bundled with a string. This cardboard will not be recycled. If cardboard can be bagged and fits in your bin, even better. Large items can be taken to the landfill.

21. Will the City still do heavy trash pickup?

Yes. In fact, the service is expanding to twice a year. There will be heavy trash pickup offered one week in the spring and one week in the fall. Check the newsroom for updates on when that will happen.

22. Does everything need to be in a trash bag?

Yes. All trash must be bagged in the bin. This will help make sure all trash makes it into the truck and the environment stays clean.

23. Doesn’t requiring trash bags create more plastic waste? Isn’t that worse for the environment?

The city understands concerns about plastic use, and we encourage residents to reduce and reuse wherever possible. However, keeping trash bagged prevents far greater environmental issues in our community. Loose trash often blows out of carts and trucks during collection, leading to litter in streets and waterways and attracting pests that spread waste even further.

At the landfill, all waste, bagged or unbagged, is placed into engineered cells lined and covered with durable plastic systems designed to prevent leaks and contain materials. Using trash bags helps keep the system clean, protects workers, and ensures waste is fully contained from your curb to the landfill.

24. Can I change my bin size later?

Yes. The city has ordered extra bins of both sizes as backups, and for new customers. If you find that you would be better off with the other sized bin, reach out to public works.

25. I only have one small bag of trash; do I have to use the bin?

Yes. Trash needs to be in the city-owned bin for collection – even if it’s just one small bag. This will help keep our streets and waterways cleaner and keep refuse crews safer.

26. Can I take things to the landfill?

Yes! All Staunton residents have free access to the Augusta Regional Landfill. For more information visit: www.acsawater.com/landfill or call 540.337.2857