East Lansing

Q: Why the change in trash collection?
A: On January 16, 2008, East Lansing City Council approved a revision to the solid waste ordinance. This ordinance change eliminates the use of black plastic bags, metal trash cans and rigid plastic containers effective October 1, 2008. For residents currently using an Easy Cart and/or yellow city-issued plastic trash bags, there is no change.

Q: What are the advantages in switching to an Easy Cart, Automated Waste Collection Program?
A: Residents who use an Easy Cart note the ease of using the carts, the neater appearance in neighborhoods on collection day, and the carts resistance to rodents and birds, among other advantages. The primary advantages for the City are cost savings, less physical labor for employees and anticipated reduced employee related injuries.

Q: What size carts are available and is there a charge for them?
A: The City offers 32, 64, and 96 gallon carts. There will be a one time purchase fee of $55 for a 32-gallon or 64-gallon cart and $70 for a 96-gallon cart. In addition, there will be an additional annual collection fee of $50 for the 96 gallon cart.

Q: Why is there an additional annual collection charge for the 96 gallon cart?
A: The greater capacity of the cart allows for more refuse to be disposed of and increases disposal fees. The annual collection charge is used to offset the increase in landfill disposal fees.

Q: How is the additional collection charge for the 96 gallon cart paid?
A: Residents will be mailed an invoice every July for the annual fee. The annual invoicing will begin on July 1, 2002. Residents who purchase a cart prior to this date will be billed on a prorated basis.

Q: Is there a collection charge for the 32 or 64 gallon cart?
A: No, there will not be an additional annual fee for these carts.

Q: What size cart is best for my household?
A: The 32 gallon cart can hold about 1 to 1 ½ normal bags of refuse. The 64 gallon cart can hold up to about 2 ½ to 3 normal bags of refuse. The 96 gallon cart can hold up to about 3 ½ to 4 normal bags of refuse. By determining how many bags of refuse you dispose of weekly, you should be able to identify which cart will work best for you. Most residents order a 64 gallon cart.

Q: How do I get a cart?
A: Carts can be ordered: 1) at the Department of Public Works (DPW), 1800 E. State Road or 2) by calling the DPW at 337-9459 and ordering over the phone with a credit card. The cart will be delivered to your home.

Q: How do I pay for the cart?
A: Cash, check or credit card payments will be accepted in person at the DPW office. Check and credit card payments will be accepted by mail with order forms. Credit card payments will be accepted over the phone.

Q: Do I need to put yellow City bags in my cart?
A: No, any refuse contained within the cart does not need to be bagged in a yellow City bag.

Q: Can I still use a black plastic bag inside my cart?
A. Yes, any type of plastic bag can be used inside the cart.

Q: What if I have more trash than fits in my cart?
A: Refuse that exceeds the capacity of the cart can be bagged in a yellow City trash bag and placed next to the cart for disposal.

Q: What are the carts made of?
A: The carts are made of durable plastic which contains 50% post consumer recycled content. The carts are guaranteed for 10 years under normal use.

Q: Are there any items that should not be placed in the carts?
A: Yes, bulk items should not be placed in the carts. Bulk items will continue to be collected on Mondays by advance request. Hazardous waste and hot ashes should also not be placed in the carts. The City sponsors an annual household hazardous waste collection in June and the County holds hazardous waste collections throughout the year.

Q: What precautions can I take to prevent theft of my cart?
A: Each cart has an address strip on it and an identifiable serial number. Carts that are being used at a residence other than the one identified on the cart, will be returned to the appropriate address.

If you have any additional questions regarding the City's waste collection or recycling programs, please contact the Public Works Department at (517) 337-9459.

Easy Cart Frequently Asked Questions