Hillside Solutions

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Winter Waste Management Tips

Hello there, winter warriors!

Winter is rolling in with its flurry of snowstorms, icy rain, gusty winds, and slippery roads. But hey, we've got this! 

Despite the wintry conditions, we're still here to ensure your trash and recycling services run as smoothly as a sled down a hill. 

Here are our top tips for a winter-ready waste service:

  • Clear your collection spot. Snowed-in bins are a no-go! Shovel or plow around your containers and sprinkle some salt or sand to keep ice at bay. We wouldn't want your container to get stuck or damaged, would we?

  • Do not place your waste cans on top of snow piles. Melting or shifting snow can cause the cans to fall over and spill. It also makes it difficult for garbage trucks to set them back down properly.

  • White trash bags blend in with snow. During winter, be mindful of where you place white garbage bags to avoid them being overlooked in the snow, ensuring efficient waste removal. 

  • For curbside service, shovel a cozy spot at the curb for your containers or bags. Please don't put them in the street; that's a snow plow hazard!

  • Say no to uneven packed snow or ice. We wouldn't want your containers to tip over and spill or block the road.

  • Missed pick-ups happen. During a shift, various factors can impact our routes and drivers. The timing for each house pickup is not fixed, and unforeseen circumstances may cause delays in route servicing. Please contact us if your trash has not been collected by the following morning after your scheduled service day.

  • Keep your containers visible. Snow-camouflaged containers are tough to spot. Black bags or plastic totes are great for playing 'hide and seek' with the snow.

  • Dig out the snow in front of and under your container. Having a clear path makes it easier for our drivers to service your container.

  •  If you have an enclosure, make sure the gates can swing wide open. Sprinkle some salt or ice melt to keep pathways and pin holes ice-free.

  • Bring can in after collection. Please retrieve your cans promptly to avoid them being blown away or obstructing snow removal operations.

  • Keep your lid closed. Open lids welcome snow and rain, which can freeze the contents inside. 

  • Be patient with our team. Our drivers work long hours to serve numerous customers, so please be patient and refrain from reporting a missed pickup until after 3 pm, and in case of severe weather, visit our website for any closure announcements due to safety concerns.

  • Frozen trash? Roll your container into an enclosed space to thaw or use salt to melt the ice. But remember, we can't swap containers for frozen ones.

  • Our service hours might change. Our drivers start early (3 a.m!) even in winter. Please leave your containers out until at least 7 p.m. We want to get the job done, and the job done right (but it might be earlier or later than anticipated). 

  • We are not the street department. Just a friendly reminder that we're a private hauler and don't handle plowing. 

There might be times when we can't service your route due to: 

  • Treacherous icy roads. For everyone's safety, there may be roads we can't navigate. 

  • Extreme cold or poor visibility. We'll adjust our schedule accordingly to ensure safe driving conditions. 

  • Lack of a turn-around spot. If unplowed areas prevent our trucks from turning around, you may need to move your container to a plowed roadway. 

  • Unplowed roads. We will try our best to service your home or business, but snowstorms may cause delays. 

If severe weather prevents us from servicing your container, please check back for updates. Our customers' safety is our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding. Stay tuned for updates on circumstances beyond our control. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and efficient winter waste collection service. Stay warm and stay safe!