North End Trash Survey Results Released

With 305 responses, the North End Trash and Recycling Survey results are in. The majority of North End residents that completed the survey want to keep the current 3 days per week of trash pickups including only 1 day of recycling. However, most residents would support putting out their trash later the night before or the same morning of pickup, especially if the pickup time were 9am instead of 7am. The idea of introducing strategically placed community dumpsters received a mixed response, 53% in support with 47% opposing the concept.

Pickup Days Per Week for Trash & Recycling

Q1: How many days per week do you need the City to pick up your non-recycling trash?

183 votes (60%) – 3 days/week (current service)

122 votes (40%) – 2 days/week

Q2: Would you like to keep the current 3 days of trash pick up with 1 day of recycling OR change to 2 days of trash pic up with 2 days of recycling?

170 votes (56%) – 3 days of trash pick up with 1 day of recycling

135 votes (44%) – 2 days of trash pick up with 2 days of recycling

A 60% majority of North End residents said they need 3 days/week of trash pickup and 56% would keep the current 3 day/week trash and 1 day/week of recycling pickup, instead of going to 2 days pickup of both trash and recycling. These results supports the current system of trash day pickups.

Time to Put Out Trash on Streets

Q3: With the current City pick up starting at 7:00 am, when should residents be allowed to start placing their trash at the curb?

127 votes (42%) – 9:00 pm on the day before pick up

109 votes (36%) – 5:00 pm on the day before pick up (current policy)

50 votes (16%) – 4:00 am on the same day of pick up

19 votes (6%) – 12:00 am on the same day of pick up

Q4: If the starting pick up time were changed to 9:00 am (instead of 7:00 am), when should residents be allowed to start placing their trash at the curb?

133 votes (44%) – 9:00 pm on the day before pick up

85 votes (28%) – 5:00 pm on the day before pick up (current policy)

44 votes (14%) – 4:00 am on the same day of pick up

43 votes (14%) – 12:00 am on the same day of pick up

Perhaps surprising in the survey results, a 64% majority of residents would support a policy change to have trash placed outside at 9:00 pm or later before the day of trash pickup, rather than the current 5:00 pm start time. Furthermore, if the trash were picked up at 9am, instead of the current 7am, most residents would agree with a same day trash placement on the morning of the scheduled pickup day.

Community Dumpsters

Q5: Would you support having “community dumpsters” strategically placed in the North End for resident trash disposal?

161 votes (53%) – Yes, NEWNC should pursue this option with the City.

144 votes (47%) – No, that is a bad idea.

On the subject of community dumpsters, strategically placed throughout the neighborhood, it was a close call with 53% supporting the concept and 47% opposing the idea.

The survey was completed over a 15 day period in late January and early February 2013 with a total of 305 responses representing nearly every street in the North End / Waterfront. In addition, over half of the respondents also provided a written observation or suggestion. The survey results and written comments are being reviewed by the North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council, as well as local public officials.