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Residential Recycling Credit Program

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1. Can I use a different container to recycle other than the orange bin?

EACH WEEK, YOU MUST PLACE YOUR ORANGE RFID BIN AT THE CURB. 

 You may use your older yellow bin or separate container (box) marked with “Recycling” or “R” for overflow but the orange bin must be at the curb holding recyclables on your regular recycling day in order to earn the recycling rebate credit on your regular bill. 

2. Why did the BPU implement the Residential Recycling Credit Program?

City of Jamestown residential customers had a recycling rate of only 35%. The BPU encourages customers to increase recycling through this program. Recycling is a requirement made by New York State and is included in the City Charter. 

3. What happens if my recycling container is stolen?

Your recycling container has been assigned to a specific address. If it is lost or stolen, please call the Garbage Hotline. 

4. What happens if my recycling container breaks?

Residents should contact the Garbage Hotline to report a broken container and to request a replacement. 

5. Are customers that live elsewhere for a certain part of the year going to be penalized for not recycling?

These customers may sign an affidavit form on our website or in BPU Customer Service. Such customers, while away, will be charged based on their recycling history. If a resident recycles on a regular basis, he /she will be eligible for the credit while out of town. 

6. How much closer does the new program bring the BPU to single stream recycling?

We continue to look into a single stream recycling program; however, at this time it is not economically feasible. With our current program, we are paid for a portion of our recyclables. In addition, the closest facility that accepts single stream recycling is approximately 40 miles away so we would incur transportation costs as well. 

7. What if I don’t have recyclables every week?

Customers will receive the credit if they recycle at least once during their billing cycle. However, customers are encouraged to recycle every week. 

8. How will multi-unit houses be charged?

Each unit is assigned its own account number. When distributed, the containers should be clearly marked with the apartment number or letter. The bin stays with the residence even if the customer moves. 

9. What if I have excess recycling and need more than one recycling container at the curb?

Each resident is able to put out additional containers for their recyclables. Containers must be clearly labeled “recycling” for our employees. The old BPU yellow bins, new blue bins or cardboard boxes may be used for additional recycling. The bin with the RFID tag MUST be put at the curb with recycling items to receive the credit. Please do not bag or cover recyclables. 

10. What about commercial accounts?

This is a residential recycling program only. Any dwelling that is classified as a commercial building will continue to use the BPU yellow recycling bins. 

11. How are billing errors or disputes resolved?

Residents will need to contact Customer Service or the Garbage Hotline if they have questions regarding their bills. Possible errors will be addressed on a case by case basis. 

12. What mechanisms will be put in place to adjust bills if a customer bounces back and forth from an ‘active recycler’ to a ‘non-recycler’?

The current BPU billing system is linked to the recycling software. Once a container is scanned, the credit will be issued to the appropriate customer. If a container is not scanned, a credit will not be issued to that customer. 

13. How do non-City customers participate?

Non-City customers need to follow BPU policy as long as they are using our service. 

14. How is the matter resolved with a landlord who must pay a higher sanitation bill due to the unwillingness of his tenant(s) to meet our definition of recycling?

For residential accounts where the landlord pays for services, landlords are responsible for their tenants’ recycling. Each apartment receives its own recycling bin to use. The landlord may contact the BPU to determine which tenants are recycling and which are not. 

15. What is the contingency plan, if the technology isn’t available in a given day/week/month?

A manual log sheet is available to each driver if the technology is unavailable for any reason. A spare scanner unit also is available to BPU employees for use in the field. The scanners are a part of a cell network and can record any information up until the point when a scanner stops working. 

16. What do we do if we have questions about this service?

Customer Service representatives as well as the Garbage Hotline and BPU Communications are available on business days to answer any questions or complaints received from the public. 

17. How do I obtain my RFID recycling container and when will I receive it?

If the assigned bin is not found at your new residence, please contact the BPU Garbage Hotline to order a replacement bin.