Managing waste and recycling is a fundamental part of maintaining a clean and sustainable home or business. For those using Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS), understanding how to navigate pickup schedules, sorting requirements, and customer service options is essential for a smooth experience. By staying organized, you can ensure your waste is handled responsibly and efficiently.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to manage your LRS services. From finding your specific collection calendar to understanding what materials are accepted in your recycling bin, we cover the essential steps to keep your waste management on track.
Finding Your Collection Schedule
The most common need for any waste management customer is knowing exactly when the truck will arrive. LRS serves many different municipalities, and schedules can vary significantly based on your specific location. Most residential areas follow a consistent weekly routine for garbage, while recycling may be collected weekly or every other week.
To find your specific schedule, you should look for the annual service calendar provided for your town or village. These documents are often available in PDF format and list every pickup date for the year, including adjustments for holidays. Keeping a printed copy of this calendar on your refrigerator or saved on your phone is the best way to avoid missing a pickup day.
Understanding Holiday Delays
It is important to remember that major holidays usually result in a one-day delay for collection services. If your regular pickup day falls on or after a holiday during a work week, your service will likely be pushed back by one day. For example, if Monday is a holiday, Monday customers are picked up on Tuesday, and Friday customers are picked up on Saturday.
Guidelines for Proper Waste Sorting
Properly sorting your waste is one of the most impactful things you can do for the environment. When non-recyclable items are placed in recycling bins, they can contaminate the entire load, leading to more waste in landfills. LRS utilizes advanced sorting technology, but the process begins with the choices you make at home.
What to Put in Your Recycling Bin
While specific rules can vary by municipality, most LRS recycling programs accept the following items:
- Paper and Cardboard: Newspaper, magazines, office paper, and flattened cardboard boxes.
- Plastic Containers: Clean plastic bottles and containers labeled with recycling symbols #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, and #7.
- Metal: Aluminum cans, steel cans, and tin food containers.
- Glass: Clear, green, and brown glass bottles and jars.
Common Items to Avoid in Recycling
Many people engage in “wish-cycling,” which is putting items in the bin hoping they can be recycled even if they are not accepted. Avoid putting these items in your recycling cart:
- Plastic Bags: These get tangled in sorting machinery. Many grocery stores offer separate bins for plastic film.
- Food Waste: All containers should be rinsed and free of food residue.
- Styrofoam: This material is typically not accepted in curbside programs.
- Electronics: These require special handling and should never go in the standard bin.
Managing Special Pickups and Large Items
Standard weekly service is designed for everyday household trash that fits inside your provided cart. However, there are times when you need to dispose of larger items like furniture, appliances, or construction debris. LRS offers specific solutions for these situations to ensure they are disposed of safely.
Bulk Item Collection
Bulk items are objects that are too large to fit in a standard waste container. This includes items like couches, mattresses, and tables. Most service agreements allow for one bulk item to be picked up per week, but some areas require you to call ahead or purchase a specific sticker. Always check your local guidelines to see if you need to schedule a bulk pickup in advance.
White Goods and Appliances
Appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and water heaters are known as “white goods.” Because these items often contain refrigerants or other chemicals, they cannot be picked up with regular trash. You will typically need to schedule a special collection for these items, and there may be an additional fee associated with their disposal and recycling.
How to Handle Yard Waste
Yard waste collection is usually a seasonal service that runs from early spring through late autumn. This service includes the collection of grass clippings, leaves, and small branches. To participate, you generally need to use biodegradable paper lawn bags or a designated yard waste cart.
It is important to avoid using plastic bags for yard waste, as these cannot be composted. Ensure that branches are bundled with twine and do not exceed specific length and weight limits, usually around four feet in length. Proper yard waste disposal helps create high-quality compost and keeps organic matter out of landfills.
Customer Support and Account Management
If you experience a missed pickup, need to order a new bin, or want to change your level of service, contacting customer support is your next step. Having your account information ready will speed up the process. For many LRS service areas, especially in regions like Wisconsin, you can reach out via phone at 608-580-0580 or through email at their dedicated service addresses.
Reporting a Missed Pickup
If your bins were out on time but were not emptied, it is best to report the issue as soon as possible. Drivers sometimes face delays due to weather or mechanical issues, but reporting the skip ensures that a crew can be sent back to your location or that your service is prioritized for the following day. When you call, be prepared to provide your address and the type of service that was missed (trash or recycling).
Online Account Features
Many users prefer managing their services online. Through the digital portal, you can often pay your bills, view your service history, and sign up for alerts. These alerts are particularly helpful for receiving notifications about weather-related delays or changes to the holiday schedule.
Tips for Efficient Waste Management
To make your waste collection as seamless as possible, follow these simple tips:
- Placement Matters: Place your carts at the curb by 6:00 AM on your scheduled day. Ensure they are at least three feet away from other objects like mailboxes, cars, or trees.
- Lid Closure: Keep the lids on your carts closed to prevent litter from blowing out and to keep rainwater and animals out of the bin.
- Weight Limits: Avoid overfilling carts with heavy materials like dirt, rocks, or concrete, as this can damage the automated lifting arms on the trucks.
By following these guidelines and staying informed about your local service details, you can ensure that your household waste and recycling are managed without any stress. Taking a few minutes to review your schedule and sorting rules helps contribute to a cleaner community and a more efficient recycling system.
If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring our other articles on home maintenance and sustainable living to find more ways to simplify your daily routines.