Let's talk trash! The Berlin Public Works Department provides curbside trash and recycling collection to the majority of residences and qualifying commercial businesses in Town once per week (trash one day and recycling another).
The utility bill for June contained a flyer about Berlin's recycling program including information about what can be placed for collection, how to prepare and separate items and self-service, drop-off locations offered by Worcester County. That same information, along with information about special collections and changes to the collection schedule due to holidays, is also available on the Town's website.
Blue recycling bins are also available to purchase for $5.00 at Town Hall during regular business hours - Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Limit two per household.
Most trash collection is done by using Town-supplied, wheeled trash containers placed at the curb by the resident or business and collected by the automated trash truck. Trash customers should have their containers at the curb by 6:00 AM on collection day; containers can be put out the night before. 6:00 AM is recommended because that is the earliest that the crew starts their route; while they typically collect a given street at roughly the same time every week, unforeseen circumstances may cause them to reach a street earlier or later. Containers cannot be left at the curb after collection and must be taken up no later than 11:00 PM on collection day.
Occasionally, the collection crew experiences difficulty in collecting a container because there are obstructions in the way, or the container is placed facing the wrong way. Every effort should be made to leave at least four feet (4') between the container and items such as poles or vehicles; this provides enough space for the automated truck arm to grasp the can, lift it, and empty it into the truck while avoiding damage to property.
The container also needs to be placed so that the front (the lid opening) faces the street with the handles/wheels away from the street and it should be at the edge of the curb/driveway or lawn (if there is no sidewalk). If the lid is facing the wrong way - backwards or sideways - it can be damaged or torn off when emptied.
