VB yard and waste collection guidelines

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Waste Management has released guidelines for trash and yard waste collection in the aftermath of the recent nor'easter:

• Tree limbs and other yard refuse that has been cleaned up by the residents may be put by the curb for pick-up by the city. All tree limbs must be no more than 4 feet long and 6 inches in diameter, and placed in piles not to exceed 4'x4'x4', and can be stacked next to any clear lawn bags that are out for collection. Smaller debris should be placed in clear bags not to exceed 25 pounds per bag.
• The city will pick up yard waste that residents collect and put by the curb. Brush and tree trimmings done by private contractors must be disposed of by the contractor.
• A work order is not required for curbside collection of yard debris. Tree removal debris, however, is not collected at curbside, but may be collected through the yard debris container program, provided each piece is no larger than six inches in diameter.
• Given the amount of debris from the storm and the increased quantities from the leaf season, the amount of yard debris will be considerably above normal, and may take two to three weeks to collect. Collections will focus first on bagged yard debris, with woody debris picked up as soon as possible.
• Residents are urged to place yard debris, as well as waste and recycle containers, outside the drainage flow line - a few inches away from the curb - to keep the drainage flow line clear and avoid neighborhood flooding.
• Trash collection on Thursday, Nov. 12, was suspended before all collections were completed. For those who did not get their trash collected, it will be collected next Thursday, Nov. 19 as regularly scheduled. Because some residents may not have room in their cans for all the trash, an exception to the normal policy will be made to allow residents to place excess trash in bags and place them next to the trash container.
• For those who normally get trash collection on Friday, their trash will be collected this Monday, Nov. 16. Next Friday's collection will be performed as usual.

For additional information, contact Waste Management at 385-4650, or go to their website at www.VBgov.com/wastemgt .