Wentzville Trash & Recycling Guide - The City of Wentzville | Missouri

The Wentzville Residential
Trash Guide
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About
Taking Out the Trash in Wentzville
®

®
The City of Wentzville is proud to offer this Trash Guide to our
residents.
Funding for this publication was made possible by the
following organizations:
Thank you!
The St. Louis-Jefferson Solid Waste Management District
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources
The Midwest Assistance Program through a grant from
the U.S.D.A. Rural Utility Service

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know
About Taking Out the Trash in Wentzville!
Household Trash Collection in Wentzville 2
Why Recycle? 3
Recycling in Wentzville 4
Non-Recyclable Items 5
Trash Facts 6
Recycling Facts 7
Yard Waste Collection 8
Yard Waste Collection Alternatives 9
Items Banned From Missouri Landfills 10
Other Problem Waste Items 11
Household Hazardous Waste 12
Wentzville Information 13
Trash and Recycling Collection Map
Back Cover
Page 1

Household Trash Collection
The City of Wentzville contracts normal household waste and recycling
collection for the entire City. This results in the lowest possible rate for
waste collection and recycling and helps assure a high level of service for
all households.
Trash will be picked up from all households in Wentzville twice each week.
The residences north of the railroad tracks will be picked up on Monday
and Thursday. The Residences South of the railroad tracks will be picked
up on Tuesday and Friday. If a major holiday falls on a regularly scheduled
pick up day, it will be picked up on the following day. Trash should be
placed within 3 foot of the curb before 6:00 AM.
All trash must be in one of the following:
1. Plastic Bags - Tied securely to prevent spillage.
Maximum size for each bag must be 33 gallons or
less and not weigh over 30 lbs.
2. Trash Containers - Containers must be covered to
prevent animal intrusions. Minimum size of 33
gallons and less than 30 lbs.
Rental Carts - The City has 96-gallon wheeled carts that
may be rented for $2.75 per month. To request a cart, call the
Public Works Department at 327-5102.
A Citywide large trash pickup is scheduled each spring and fall. At that time
bulky items will be picked up. The City will announce these dates in the
Wentzville Journal and/or the City Newsletter.
Page 2

Why Recycle?
Recycling may seem like an unappealing chore and a waste of time. But
recycling makes a difference in our community—financially and
environmentally:
Stabilizes Waste Collection Costs – It costs $35/ton to dispose your
waste at a landfill. When you recycle, there is no disposal cost…in fact
we can generate $15/ton in revenue for our recyclables. You do the
math!
Recycling Creates Jobs – In St. Louis, 16,000 men and women are
employed at 1,500 recycling businesses. The recycling industry hires
more than chemical manufacturing; and double what utility companies
employ locally. Nationally, recycling creates 1.1 million jobs. With
$236 Billion in annual gross revenue, this represents a significant force
in the U.S. economy (EPA).
Conservation of Resources – On average, Americans generate four
pounds of trash every day. In Wentzville, this translates to 29,200,000
pounds of trash generated every year. We exhaust our resources like
we have an endless supply. In reality, our planet has finite resources.
Only we can change our future.
Conservation of Landfill Space –There may be a lot of land to build
new landfills, but who wants to live near one? Once landfills are full,
transporting waste further away will be more costly and use more
energy in the future.
Energy Conservation– In all cases, it takes less energy to make a
product out of recyclable material than out of virgin material. Recycling
frees up energy resources for more deserving causes.
Page 3

Recycling in Wentzville
(WEDNESDAYS)
For your ease, and to control the cost of waste collection, Wentzville offers
single stream recycling at no cost. (Not to mention it conserves resources,
creates jobs, and helps our environment!)
“Single stream” recycling means you can mix the following
recyclables together in your bin:
Yes:
Cardboard
All
Paper
Anything that tears: junk mail, newspaper (remove
sleeve), phone books, envelopes, folders, softback
books, brown bags, food boxes, wrapping paper,
notebooks, etc.
Glass
Clear, brown, green (emptied & rinsed)
Plastic
New!
Emptied and rinsed containers #1-5, #7 and
buckets (5 gallon maximum)
Metal
New!
Aluminum, steel, and tin (rinsed & emptied). Foil,
cans, trays, & aerosol cans are okay.
(Please put all food, diapers, and wood/pet litter in your trash.)
Page 4

It’s easy,
convenient & FREE!
Every household receives a recycling bin. Recyclables
are collected on Wednesdays. To request a second bin (at no charge),
call 639-2026 or 639-2027; another bin will be delivered to your home.
No:
Food-contaminated cardboard
Foil wrapping or waxy paper, food- or
germ-contaminated paper (paper
plates, tissue, paper towels), metal
rings and spirals
Tip:
Flatten & stack under your bin
especially on windy days.
Put at the bottom to allow for
wind!
Windows, Light bulbs, mirrors,
Pyrex/dinnerware, ceramics
Styrofoam (#6), diapers, plastic bags
or film (plastic wrap, tarp, sheets)
Large metal, metal with food or other
materials attached.
Find the # inside the recycling
triangle!
Smash for more room!
Page 5

Trash Facts
In a lifetime, the average American will throw away 600 times their adult
weight in garbage—that’s a legacy of 90,000 lbs. of trash for his or her
children.
Paper makes up 40% of the waste we throw away. Americans use 50
million tons of paper each year, consuming more than 850 million trees.
It takes 75,000 trees to print a Sunday Edition of the New York Times.
As a nation we use 500,000 trees every week for newspapers.
If the pilgrims had used aluminum cans at the first
Thanksgiving, the cans would still be around today.
Americans throw away enough aluminum every three
months to
rebuild our entire commercial air fleet.
Everyday Americans buy 62 million newspapers and throw out 44
million. That's the equivalent of dumping 500,000 trees into a landfill
every week.
Americans throw out enough iron and steel to supply all the nation’s
automakers on a continuous basis.
Americans throw away enough used oil each year to fill 120
supertankers.
Product packaging accounts for 30% of the weight and 50% of the
volume in our household waste.
Page 6

Recycling Facts
Enough energy is saved by recycling one aluminum can to
run a TV set for three hours or to light one 100-watt bulb for
20 hours.
Annually, enough energy is saved by recycling steel to supply St.
Louis with electricity for almost 100 years.
If everyone in the U.S. recycled just 1/10 of their newsprint, we would save
the estimated equivalent of about 25 million trees a year.
One ton of recycled paper uses: 64% less energy,
50% less water, 74% less air pollution, and creates 5
times more jobs than one ton of paper products from
virgin wood pulp.
One ton of recycled paper also saves 17 trees, 380
gallons of oil, three cubic feet of landfill space, 4,000
kilowatts of energy and 7,000 gallons of water.
Producing a recycled aluminum can takes 5% of the
energy required to make a new one.
Missourians reduced reused, recycled and composted
4,384,765 tons of waste in 2001.
Page 7

Yard Waste Collection
Yard waste has been banned from Missouri landfills since
1992. Therefore, yard waste cannot be mixed with
household trash. Leaving yard waste lie and/or mulching
it is best for your lawn—it helps grass retain moisture and
returns nutrients to the soil. Yard waste can also be
composted onsite (see page 9), or collected and taken to a
certified composting facility.
The City has contracts with J. Hunt Hauling to pick up and compost yard
waste from residents desiring this service. Residents must subscribe for
this by calling at 639-2026 or 639-2027.
The yard waste service is offered from April 1-November 30 each year.
The fee for the yard waste collection service is $7.25 per month (fee
appears on the normal City utility bill). For those subscribing to the service,
yard waste will be collected on Wednesdays.
NOTE: Plastic bags of yard waste will not be accepted! Yard waste can be
set out in the following ways:
• A 96-gallon rolling yard waste cart. These carts may be rented by
calling 639-2026 or 639-2027 for $2.75 per month.
• Biodegradable Kraft bags which may be purchased at local retail
stores.
• Branches and limbs can be tied into bundles no more than 5-foot
long. These branches should be no greater than 6-inches in
diameter.
Page 8

Build a Better Yard:
Yard Waste Collection Alternatives
Yard waste is primarily composed of lawn clippings, leaves, and small
brush. These items can be very beneficial to yards if they are “composted”
properly. Large composting facilities “grind and turn” these materials in a
way that allows natural biological actions to breakdown the grass, leaves,
and brush into a very beneficial soil amendment.
Compost adds organic matter to the soil; reduces the need for fertilizer, and
increases water-holding ability during dry spells. Master Gardeners pay
premium prices for good compost because they recognize the value it adds
to their gardens.
Create the same benefits on a smaller scale in your yard:
Cut it high and let it lie!
Grass clippings contain many of the same ingredients as fertilizer. By
allowing your grass to grow slightly higher and cutting it slightly more
often, you can fertilize your grass every time you mow
(the highest setting is preferred). A mulching
lawnmower is very efficient at this chore. Grass
decomposes quickly and passes nutrients into the soil
and roots of the existing grass. The same is true of
leaves. In small quantities leaves can be mulched and
left on the yard to provide the same benefits.
Backyard Composting
All organic waste decomposes over time. Simple containers or open
piles for yard waste are the least labor and time-consuming ways to
compost. As weeds, grass clippings, and leaves are collected they can
be added to the container or pile. Turning the pile occasionally will
speed the decomposition process. Composting bins can be purchased
or built to speed up the process and make your compost area more
attractive. Find a compost recipe at www.scchealth.org/es
Page 9

Items Banned From Landfills
In 1990 the Missouri State Legislature passed a law banning the disposal
of certain materials in Missouri landfills. That ban became effective in
1991. The following items cannot be picked up and mixed with household
trash.
Lead Acid Batteries - Lead and the sulfuric acid contained within lead
acid batteries are harmful to the environment if not disposed properly.
Return batteries when a new battery is purchased. Most auto parts
stores will accept old batteries, or bring it to Recycle Works West at
2110 E. Pitman Avenue.
Tires - Tires are banned from landfills because they are difficult to
keep buried in landfills, do not decompose easily, and are breeding
spots for mosquitoes. Many tire dealers will accept old tires but will
charge a small disposal fee unless new tires are purchased. Most tires
get recycled as tire derived fuel for electrical generation or get ground
up and used as a playground surface.
Major Appliances - Large appliances such as washers and
refrigerators etc. are valuable to metal recyclers. An appliance pick-up
can be scheduled by calling 639-2026 or 639-2027. A small fee will be
charged for this pick-up.
Used Motor Oil - Motor oil is a contaminant to ground water and
therefore banned from disposal in landfills. Very small amounts of
motor oil can seep into aquifers and create unhealthful conditions.
Most garages and oil change operations will accept motor oil from doit-yourselfers
at little or no fee. Oil and most other auto fluids can be
dropped off at Recycle Works West for free.
Page 10

Other Problem Waste
Some wastes need special attention or require special pick-ups. These
items are not banned from disposal in Missouri landfills, but should be
prepared differently or set out at different times from your normal
household trash.
Please note; there is an additional charge for large item pickups, except for
the citywide spring and fall large item pickups.
Large Bulky Items - Furniture, mattresses, bicycles, etc. cannot be
picked up on the normal trash route. The normal trash truck is not
designed to take such items and the workers may not have the
manpower to handle them without possible injury. Call 327-5102 to
schedule a pick-up or put these items out during the spring and fall
clean up period (announced in the Wentzville Journal or the City
Newsletter).
Electronics – Many small electronics can be recycled
for free at Recycle Works or put out with normal
household trash. Some electronics such as
computer monitors, microwaves, and TVs
contain large amounts of lead and are toxic when
the item is smashed. You can 1) recycle electronics
at Recycle Works (small fee may apply based on size/type), 2) put
these items out during the spring and fall clean up period, or 3) call
327-5102 to put out these large items as a special pick-up.
Construction/Remodeling Waste – These wastes can be put out
with normal trash in small volumes or quantities. However, large
items or hard to handle items should be picked up separately. Call
639-2026 or 639-2027 for a special pick-up or put these items out
during the spring and fall clean up period.
Infectious Waste - Residential households are required to package
all sharp items (needles, knives, etc.) in a rigid, leak proof, puncture
resistant container such as a detergent bottle. Medical wastes can be
dangerous to workers picking up trash and disposal personnel at the
transfer station or landfill.
Page 11

Household Hazardous Waste
Many common household products contain hazardous substances.
Household Hazardous Wastes (HHW) are products that catch on fire, react
with other substances, explode under certain conditions, are corrosive, or
poisonous. Among the most common are:
Pesticides Paints Varnishes
Solvents Paint Thinners Cleaners
Hobby Chemicals Pool Chemicals Poisons
Look for the words “WARNING” or “DANGER” on
the label.
These items should not be poured down the drain or down sewers!
For FREE, motor oil, antifreeze, transmission and hydraulic fluid can be
dropped off at Recycle Works West, 2110 E. Pitman Avenue here in
Wentzville.
For all other HHW, residents can participate (for free) in St. Charles
County’s Chemical Collection program. Visit www.scchealth.org/es or call
(636) 949-7415 for details.
Items allowed in the trash:
• Those labeled “CAUTION”
• Paint that has solidified
Help make your home healthier by:
• Purchase less toxic products marked “CAUTION” instead of those
that say “WARNING” or “DANGER”
• Follow directions of the label for use and disposal
• Use up the entire chemical before discarding it, or share unused
products with others rather than discarding them.
• Get less toxic recipes at www.scchealth.org/es
Page 12

The City of Wentzville
Information
TRASH PICK-UP SCHEDULE:
North of the Railroad Tracks
Monday & Thursday
South of the Railroad Tracks
Tuesday & Friday
RECYCLING SCHEDULE:
PICKED UP ON WEDNESDAY
YARD WASTE SCHEDULE:
PICKED UP ON WEDNESDAY
All items should be placed within
3-feet of the curb before 6:00 a.m.
Contact Public Works 636-327-5102 regarding any questions,
or to schedule any additional services (i.e., trash
carts, yard waste pick-up, or large item pick-up).
Page 13

Wentzville Trash & Recycling Collection
North Side of Rail Road Trash Pick
up on Mondays and Thursdays
South Side of Rail Road Trash Pick
up on Tuesdays and Fridays
/
0 0.5
1 2
Miles
Note: Citywide recycling is picked up every Wednesday free of charge.
Yard waste is also available for pick-up on Wednesday but
does carry a small monthly fee.
For questions, or to schedule yard waste pick-up: 327-5102.
Items such as appliances, old computers or monitors, plastic grocery bags,
newspaper sleeves, motor oil, antifreeze, telephone books, used clothing
and textiles can be taken to the St. Charles County Recycling Center.
There may be a fee for some items so please call for details first.
St. Charles County Recycling Center
(636) 949-7415
2110 E. Pitman
Wentzville, MO 63385
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed Sundays & Holidays