Any items placed in the wrong containers are called contamination. For example, glass is not accepted in your compost container, liquids should not be placed in your recycling container, and food scraps do not belong in your garbage container.
Contamination can result in higher costs for processing materials and can cause your recyclable and compostable materials to unnecessarily be sent to the landfill.
To avoid contamination, review your sorting guides.
| Collection Stream | Threshold for Contamination |
|---|---|
| Recycle | 10% |
| Compost | 5% |
| Trash | 25% |
Oops Tags
If we leave an “oops tag” on your container, it means the container tagged was contaminated with materials that belong elsewhere. Containers with ongoing contamination may be subject to contamination charges. We want to help you avoid contamination charges from being added to your account, so pay attention to the item we indicated on the tag.
We may also leave full containers on the day of your service because the contents were highly contaminated. If this occurs or if you have any other questions or concerns regarding your oops tag, please contact us.
Receiving a Contamination Charge
RESIDENTIAL- COMMERCIAL
Containers with contaminated material will be treated as garbage and sent to the landfill. All compost, recycling, and garbage containers will be subject to contamination charges and treated as garbage if the contents are contaminated. Contamination charges stack as follows:
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- 1st time: We will tag the container(s). No charges will be added to your account at this time.
- 2nd time and each subsequent time: We will tag the container(s). One-time Charges will be added to your account.
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Containers with contaminated material will be treated as garbage and sent to the landfill. All compost, recycling, and garbage containers will be subject to contamination charges and treated as garbage if the contents are contaminated. Contamination charges stack as follows:
-
-
- 1st Time: We will tag the container(s). No charges will be added to your account at this time.
- 2nd Time and each subsequent time: We will tag the container(s). One-time Charges will be added to your account.
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We’re Here to Help!
Our Waste Zero Specialist helps businesses apply best management practices in collecting recycling, composting and landfill materials. We provide a single point of contact to help you implement new recycling programs or improve your existing program and make sure you have the resources you need.
Depending on your type of business or residential property, the team will:
- Visit your site to discuss sustainability goals and potential space requirements/restraints.
- Conduct audits of your waste stream to suggest bin sizing and reduce costs.
- Customize your service options and equipment to meet your needs.
- Provide signs, fliers, stickers, and training at no additional cost.
Our Waste Zero Specialist is familiar with assisting all business types — from office buildings, hotels and hospitality, restaurants, hospitals, and shopping centers to large commercial residential properties.