Shawnee County

Winter Weather

Winter Collection Delays

During the winter months, bad weather, such as icy or heavy snow conditions, may occasionally present problems for your regularly scheduled garbage and recycling collection. Problems may occur in isolated areas, such as a single street or alley. At other times, major weather events may cause widespread collection problems or delays.

Here are some winter collection tips:

  • Do not set your container on an uneven surface.
  • Keep your lid closed. This will help keep your contents from freezing to the inside of your container.
  • Our service hours will fluctuate. Have your containers to the curb the night before your scheduled delivery or before 7 a.m. on your scheduled day. Leave your container out until at least 7 p.m.
  • Find a good place to put your bags or containers. Shovel a spot at the curb or place your container or bags in your driveway. If the drivers can't easily get to your trash or recycling or can't see (or reach) it because it's blocked by snow, it might not get emptied.
  • Keep your container out of the street to avoid any plow truck casualties.
  • Make sure your container can be closed all the way so snow and rain don't get in the container. This will help keep the contents from freezing (but will not guarantee it). Whenever trash is frozen in the container, we may have trouble emptying all of it.

If the garbage or recycling truck is not able to access your container(s) on a street due to icy or heavy snow conditions, they may return within 24 hours to make a second attempt to collect. Please leave your containers out and accessible at your collection location. If the alley or street still cannot be accessed, your hauler will be back next week on your next scheduled collection day.

We will make every effort to service your address, but there are some situations that will possibly prevent us from operating:

  • Steep grades that are icy or snowy
  • Dirt roads that become very icy
  • Lack of turnaround space due to areas not plowed (or multiple vehicles parked together)
  • Very low wind chill factor
  • Reduced visibility due to blizzard conditions or freezing rain
  • Closed or unplowed roads with deep snow

Sometimes, icy or snowy conditions will just cause us to run a bit behind, but we will be there later in the day. (Remember, you have a collection day, not a collection time, and times are never guaranteed.)

Sign up for RecycleCoach and download the app to receive notifications of any service interruptions.

If we are unable to service your container, please call us the morning after your service is missed. There are some weather conditions beyond our control and sometimes we are unable to collect your refuse. In this event, we will take extra on your next scheduled service day at no additional charge. No refunds will be issued for weather-related collection interruptions.