Received a Notification?

The Department of Sanitation initiated the notification program to provide residents with information regarding the Automated Refuse Program. The notifications address common occurrences with the introduction of a new program. They are intended to be helpful and educational so that the collection process runs smoothly for all.

If you received a notification and have questions, please contact 479-784-2350 for more information.

Blocked Access

If you received this notification, the automated truck could not reach your containers. Therefore your trash could not be collected. All vehicles and other objects blocking the cart should be moved on the day of collection.

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No Trash

If you received this notification, trash was placed in the recycling can or integrated with yard waste. Trash should be placed in the trash container only.

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No Recyclables

If you received this notification, recyclable items were placed in the trash container. Recyclables should be placed in the recycling container only.

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7:00 A.M.

If you received this notification, trash was not curbside by 7:00 A.M. The refuse container should be placed curbside or at the edge of the street by 7:00 A.M. on the day of collection. To ensure the container is ready on time, you can place your container out the night before your collection day.

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No Yard Waste

If you received this notification, yard waste/debris was placed in the trash or recycling container. Yard waste is to be placed in a separate container. The refuse container is for garbage only.

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Automated Cart Only

If you received this notification, a container/can other than the approved city containers were placed curbside. The automated refuse collection program only works with the automated containers provided by the City of Fort Smith Department of Sanitation; therefore all trash must be placed in the automated cart only.

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Lid Must Close

If you received this notification, the lid would not close on the automated cart. The lid must be close and remain closed to prevent spills during collection.

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Return Refuse Container

If you received this notification, the refuse containers were left curbside after collection occurred. Please remove the automated cart from curbside or street edge after collection.

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Hot Coals

If you received this notification, hot coals were placed in your refuse container. Hot materials, such as coals, should not be placed in the automated cart. Coals should be allowed to cool completely before being placed in ANY refuse container.

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5 Feet of Curb

If you received this notification, the refuse container was more than 5 feet from the curb or edge of the street. The automated vehicle can only reach a certain distance; therefore the container must be placed within 5 feet of the curb or street edge in order to be collected.

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No Pizza Boxes or Plastic Bags

If you received this notification, pizza boxes or plastic bags were placed in your recycling container. Pizza boxes are not recyclable due to the grease that permeates the cardboard. Please reuse your plastic bags and then return to your local grocery store when you are ready to dispose of them. Only recyclable items are to be placed in the recycling container.

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No Sharp Items

If you received this notification, sharp objects such as needles, mirrors and glass bottles, were placed in the refuse, recycling or yard waste containers. Glass (including mirrors) should be placed in a separate and marked rigid refuse container for collection. Sharps (used medical needles) are accepted at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility at the Department of Sanitation. The sharps must be delivered in a heavy, clear plastic container with lid.

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No Hazardous Materials

If you received this notification, household hazardous waste, such as cooking oil, paint cans, and motor oil, were placed in the refuse, recycling or yard waste containers. Household Hazardous Waste is accepted at the Collection Facility at the Department of Sanitation. In order to accept hazardous materials, it must be in original containers with original labels. We will not accept products without labels, nor will we accept products that are unknown.

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3 Feet of Clearance

If you received this notification, there was not 3 feet of clearance surrounding the automated cart. The automated vehicle requires space in order to grab and dump the container. Therefore the container must have 3 feet of clearance from any object on all sides in order to be collected.

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No Electronics

If you received this notification, there were electronic items placed in the refuse, recycling or yard waste containers. Electronics can be taken to the landfill or picked up by special request.

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Stop Identity Theft

If you received this notification, items such as credit cards and prescription medication labels were placed in the refuse container. Please shred or destroy these items before placing the trash container to help prevent identity theft.

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Not Over 35 Gallons

If you received this notification, the garbage can exceeded 35 gallons. City ordinance 10-04 Sec. 2 (a), mandates that containers are under 35 gallons.

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Not Over 50 Pounds

If you received this notification, the garbage can exceeded 50 pounds. City ordinance 10-04 Sec. 2 (a), mandates that containers are under 50 pounds. Do not overfill your trash.

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Yard Waste Over Size Limit

If you received this notification, the yard waste exceeded 50 pounds. All yard waste should be bagged or bundled.

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