Once a Week Garbage Collection Starts March 9 in Milbank

Did you find a bright green trash cart on your curb today? It means you are a customer of Waste Management, the Minnesota company licensed by the City of Milbank to haul away your garbage. Today, March 1, marks the beginning of Milbank’s transition to an automated garbage system.
From now on, a single driver from inside the truck will operate a mechanical arm with a claw to pick up your cart from the curb. According to Waste Management, your 96-gallon trash cart is specifically designed for use with the automated collection system and is manufactured for safety and durability. It is also the only way your trash will be removed.

What will be the biggest change? Your Trash Day will be once a week. If you live south of Fourth Avenue, your pick-up day is now Tuesday. If you live north of Fourth Avenue, your pick-up day is now Friday. The first day for automated pick up will be Tuesday, March 9. Residents must have their carts ready by 6 a.m. According to Waste Management, if your cart wasn’t delivered today, there is no need to panic. It will arrive in the next few days.

What other changes can I expect?  Loose trash or bags outside the cart will no longer be accepted. If you routinely have a lot of trash, an extra cart is available for an additional monthly charge. If one week you find yourself swamped by trash — maybe you did some spring cleaning — you might have more bags than will fit in your cart. Call the customer service department at Waste Management to arrange a special pick up. A charge will be accessed based on the overage amount. 

How do I deal with my new cart on Trash Day? Your new cart comes equipped with handy wheels. This means you no longer need to lug your trash to the curb. On your Trash Day, push it out and place it at the curb with the handles facing your house. 
Make sure your cart is at least three feet away from mailboxes, other containers, and any fixed objects.  Does your driveway feature a slope or is there a chance of wind? (Wind in South Dakota? Maybe just plan on doing this trick every week.) Simply rotate the cart a quarter-turn, and place the handles toward the wind. This helps keep the lid closed and the cart upright. No more trash blowing around the neighborhood or tempting a stray dog with last night’s pizza box.
How do I contact Waste Management? Call 1-888-960-0008

Check out the map below to see pick up dates.