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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do you provide service to my area?

Talkeetna Refuse provides curbside trash service from MP 82 on the Parks Highway (southern boundary) to MP 166 on the Parks Highway (northern boundary).  All borough- or state-maintained roads between these boundaries are included in our service area.  Unmaintained roads are not included in the service area.

Is there a minimum service term?

A minimum of one month service is required for can or dumpster service.

What size can (or cans) are allowed?

The can (or cans) must be 32 gallons or less, lidded, and no heavier than 60 pounds when filled.  Cans may be any type (metal/plastic) within these parameters.

Why do you not service larger (64- or 96- gallon) roll carts?

Cans are hand-loaded into the back of a garbage truck.  Larger roll carts are not permitted due to excessive weight.

How often do you pick up?

Our minimum service is once-weekly. 

Where do I put my can or cans?

Place the can or cans at the curb—at the end of your driveway—by 7:00 a.m. on the day of your scheduled pickup.  Cans should be placed 4 feet from a residential street or 6 feet from the Parks Highway, Talkeetna Spur or Petersville Road.

What time will my trash get picked up?

Please place your trash out by 7:00 a.m. on your designated collection day.  Due to the variable nature of trash volume along the route, your actual pickup time may vary each week.

Do you pick up on holidays?

Customers can expect a one-day delay in pickup for the following holidays, unless the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday:

  • New Year’s Day

  • Memorial Day

  • Independence Day

  • Labor Day

  • Thanksgiving Day

  • Christmas Day

Where can I put a dumpster on my property?

  • Our route truck needs to have clear, safe access to the front of the dumpster to pick it up and maneuver around the driveway and/or parking area.  The drive path should be no less than 10' wide and free from obstructions, such as brush, tree limbs, berms, or low-hanging wires.

  • The sides and rear of the dumpster must have 6’ or greater clearance from other obstructions, including vehicles and buildings.

  • The approach to the dumpster must be firm enough to drive on year-round.

  • During the winter months, the driveway and parking areas must be plowed and (if icy) well sanded on the scheduled day of pickup.

  • During the winter months, the sides and rear of the dumpster must have 2’ or greater clearance from accumulated snow.  Customers are responsible for clearing snow around the dumpster.

What materials can be disposed?

  • Normal household solid waste

  • Small quantities of household cleaners and solvents—not intended for commercial use—when included as part of general household refuse (such as disposing a nearly empty can of oven cleaner, or used paper towels saturated with window cleaner)

  • Up to two (2) automotive (car/small truck) tires, additional fee applies

What materials are prohibited?

  • Liquids

  • Asbestos

  • Infectious waste

  • Animal waste, in excess of 13-gallon equivalent (must be bagged)

  • Animal or fish carcasses

  • Human waste

  • Propane tanks

  • Engines of any kind (small or large)

  • Burn barrels

  • Explosives or reactive material

  • Furniture, appliances, or refrigeration

  • Heavy items, such as construction debris, rocks/dirt, tile/flooring, or roofing material

  • Non-compactable materials greater than 2 feet in any dimension

  • Recyclable cardboard, in excess of one (1) cubic yard

  • Hazardous waste, including paint, batteries, motor oils/liquids, cooking oils, antifreeze, chemical products or solvents, herbicides or pesticides, flammable liquids, medical waste or contaminated soil

Why wasn’t my trash picked up? Or why was not all of my trash picked up?

Can Service

  • It wasn’t placed out in time.

  • It wasn’t placed to the curb.

  • The refuse was not bagged.

  • The can exceeded weight limits.

  • Something in the trash was not allowed, such as hazardous materials, loose animal waste, etc.

  • Refuse was placed behind a snow berm.

  • Refuse was jammed or frozen in the can.

  • Road conditions (such as a tree down, excessive snowfall, road failure, flooding, etc.) did not allow truck access.
     

Dumpster Service

  • The dumpster was blocked by a vehicle.

  • The dumpster was moved or turned at an angle not accessible by our truck.

  • Something in the trash was not allowed, such as hazardous materials, loose animal waste, etc.

  • The dumpster was blocked by a snow berm or the surface was too icy to access it.

  • It wasn’t the scheduled day for collection.

  • Refuse was jammed or frozen in the dumpster.

  • Road conditions (such as a tree down, excessive snowfall, road failure, flooding, etc.) did not allow truck access.

What are the dimensions of the dumpsters and roll offs?

3yard.jpg

Dumpsters - Depth is measured at the top of the container.  Depth at base is less than shown here.

 

2 Cubic Yards – 3’4”H x 5’1”W x 4’6”D

3 Cubic Yards – 3’4”H x 5’3”W x 5’9”D

 

Roll Off Containers – Measurements given are approximate

 

33 Cubic Yards – 7’H x 7’4”W x 17’6”L

40 Cubic Yards – 8’H x 7’4”W x 18’4”L

If my dumpster is blocked or otherwise inaccessible on the day of pickup, will I still get charged for the week?

Yes.  Customers are responsible for access to their dumpster.  If our driver is unable to safely access the dumpster, it will not be emptied.  This includes inability to access the area due to parked vehicles, soft ground or mud, tree branches or brush, unplowed snow or berms, locked gates, owner-supplied padlocks, or any other items that cannot be easily or safely moved.

Do you require a deposit?

A refundable deposit equal to one month’s service is required for can service.  Dumpsters require at $100 deposit. Clients wishing to reinstate service following cancellation for nonpayment are subject to twice the current deposit requirement.

When will I receive a bill?  When is payment due?  Can I pay online?

We invoice on the first of each month for the prior month’s service.  Payment is due by the end of the month.  To pay online, click on the "Pay My Bill" link in the upper right of the banner.  Where asked to enter "Invoice Number," you may leave the field blank or enter in a description (such as "Deposit" or "March payment") if invoice number is not known.

Can I enroll in autopay? Do you offer paperless billing?

Yes.  Please contact our office to enroll in Auto Pay or paperless billing.  Unless specified otherwise, Auto Pay credit cards are charged on or about the 15th of each month.

Can I get a credit for time I’m on vacation?

If your residence is unoccupied for 30 days or more, you may receive a credit for suspended service during the dates of vacancy.  You must contact us prior to your absence to receive the reduction.

Do you offer recycling?

No.  To dispose of recyclables, please contact MSB Talkeetna Transfer (907-861-7614) or Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (907-745-5544 or valleyrecycling.org).

How long can I keep a roll off?

A minimum charge for one week roll off rental will apply.  A minimum of one dump per month is required.  Please contact us when you are ready for removal.

Whom should I contact if I have a complaint about my utility bill or service?

We encourage you to reach out to us at (907) 733-2211 or through our online contact form.  If your issue cannot be resolved, you may contact the Regulatory Commission of Alaska for assistance.  A complaint may be filed by contacting the RCA Consumer Protection staff at (800) 390-2782 or rca.mail@alaska.gov.  You may also find them on the web at rca.alaska.gov/RCAWeb/ForConsumers/SubmitInformalComplaint.aspx.

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Where can I view a copy of your current tariff?

The tariff may be viewed online at https://rca.alaska.gov.

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