Why are the rules so confusing and why do they seem to keep changing?

Due to multiple sources of information (RIRRC, our selected Transfer Station operator Waste Connections [formerly Vinagro], the Recycling Coordinator, the Town's website, Rules document, rumors around Town, etc.) inconsistencies and misinformation can develop.

In addition, there are market trends and polices and rules dictated to the Town (and sometimes state and federal authorities) over which the Town has no control.  For example, in the past year China has clamped down on “contaminated” recyclables, now rejecting any loads with more than 0.5% contamination (formerly 5%)..

https://www.wired.com/story/china-wont-solve-the-worlds-plastics-problem-any-more/

Mattresses and box spring collections were defined by RI Law 2013-423 and the fee for soiled mattresses or box springs was raised from $50 to $70 in the middle of 2018.

http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/PublicLaws/law13/law13423.htm

That being said, the Town, Town Council, and the Solid Waste Recycling Committee (SWRC) is continually working to ensure that the numerous informational sources are in harmony and do not contradict each other.

Show All Answers

1. Why do I have to stop at the Check-in Shack?
2. Why do I have to buy a Transfer Station sticker to drop off recyclables?
3. Why are pick-up trucks allowed yet utility trailers not allowed?
4. Why are there out of state license plates at the Transfer Station?
5. Why does the staff working at the Transfer Station watch where we put our diversion materials?
6. What if I have an unusually large/cumbersome scrap metal object that cannot be broken down further?
7. Why can’t we just add more operators to aid enforcement of the rules and to more quickly aid Transfer Station users?
8. Wouldn’t it be cheaper if the town just hired more DPW people to run the trash program?
9. Why do I have to flatten my cardboard boxes?
10. Why was the “Give and Take” area removed from the Transfer Station? Why is scavenging not allowed?
11. Are the Town PAYT bags recyclable?
12. Why can’t I buy Town PAYT bags at Town Hall or the Transfer Station?
13. Why do I have to buy an orange Town bag for waste disposal when I already paid for a Transfer Station sticker?
14. Why did I see the Transfer Station staff dumping yard waste into the pit?
15. Why can’t I bring yard waste to the Transfer Station in a tarp?
16. How can I dispose of organic material?
17. Can I bring tree stumps with my yard waste?
18. Why are there limits to C&D/ABC disposal?
19. I'm not certain how to dispose of an item - what should I do?
20. What is “bulky waste” and how is it handled?
21. How do I dispose of automotive parts and fluids?
22. Can batteries be thrown away into the trash?
23. What about other large items like a trampoline or a boat cover?
24. Why do I have to cut up a carpet before I throw it into the “Bulky Waste” container?
25. Are carpet pads considered “Bulky Waste”?
26. How do I dispose of fluorescent lights?
27. How do I dispose of furniture?
28. Can I throw my plastic bags into the Recycling Pit?
29. Why can’t I just drop off my mattress and/or box spring and when would I have to pay a fee?
30. Who decides what the qualifying conditions are for mattress/box spring collection?
31. What do I do if the condition of my mattress or box spring disqualifies it from free disposal?
32. Why is there a $70 fee for an unacceptable mattress or box spring?
33. Does the town offer curbside pickup?
34. Why do I have to pay for a Transfer Station sticker?
35. Why do my taxes not include trash disposal?
36. What forms of payment are accepted for Transfer Station stickers?
37. Is there an elderly discount for the Transfer Station sticker fee?
38. How does the Transfer Station sticker fee get established?
39. Why are the rules so confusing and why do they seem to keep changing?
40. What is the Town doing to address any problems or inconsistencies with the rules?
41. Who do I contact if I have a concern, complaint or compliment?
42. Why does Prudence Island have such limited trash service and can you fix these problems?
43. Why was PAYT exception for the Fireman’s Fair rejected by the Town Council?
44. Why can yard waste only be dropped off during a very narrow window of time?