Provo City

Recycling FAQs


Recycling Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  Does Provo have a curbside recycling program?

A.  Yes. Provo City adopted an "opt-out" recycling program. This means you have the choice to recycle or not. If you do not opt out, you are automatically enrolled in the program. Allied Waste is our curbside recycling service provider as of July 1, 2011.

Q.  What is an "opt-out" program?

A.  Provo City's recycling program begins by assuming that residents will join in our efforts for a "green city". If you do not want to participate in the recycling program, or if circumstances don't allow for you to participate in the program, you can return the Opt-out Form to Provo City Customer Service, P O Box 1849, Provo UT 84603, or call the Provo City Helpline at 801-852-6000.  

Q.  What is the cost?

A.  Beginning November 1, 2011, residents who participate will see an additional item on their utility bills: Recycling. The amount is $4.75 per month. This covers the costs of picking up recyclables from your home and transporting them to a recycling transfer station.

Q.  How often will recyclables be picked up?

A.  Curbside pick-up of recyclables will take place every other week on your regular corresponding solid waste schedule beginning November 1, 2011.

Q.  What can I recycle? What is not allowed?

A.  Plastic bottles, aluminum cans, newspaper, and plain cardboard are among the items that can be recycled. Glass, Styrofoam, and food-contaminated items cannot. Here is a complete list of which materials are acceptable and how to prepare them for recycling.

Q.  Do all recyclables go into the same container? Do I need to separate plastic from paper, for instance?

A.  No, you do not need to separate acceptable recyclables. Everything can go into the recycling container together.

Q.  Is the recycling program mandatory?

A.  No, it is not. Residents may choose whether to participate in the program or not. Provo City encourages all residents to be environmentally aware. The curbside recycling program we have adopted is an "opt-out" program.

Q.  What happens if I didn't opt out by September 9, 2011?

A.  Failing to opt out by September 9, 2011, automatically enrolled you as a participant in the recycling program.

Q.  I want to participate in the curbside opt-out recycling program. What do I need to do?

A.  If you would like to participate in recycling, please call the Provo City Helpline at 801-852-6000. They will order a recycling container to be dropped off at your residence. Allied Waste will make delivery of this container within one (1) week of your request.

Q.  If I opt out or have opted out, can I reconsider at a later date and enroll in the recycling program?

A.  Yes. If you change your mind later you can always participate in Provo City's opt-out recycling program. Call the Provo City Helpline at 801-852-6700 to be enrolled in the program.

Q.  If I did not opt out by September 9, 2011, can I opt out later?

A.  Yes. You will need to call Provo City's Helpline at 801-852-6000 and request to "opt out" of recycling.

Q.  What if I live in an apartment, condo or multi-dwelling complex? Can I participate in Provo City's recycling program?

A.  Residents who would like to participate in Provo City's recycling program but do not have individual curbside garbage pick-up will need to work through your Home Owners' Association or apartment management to arrange special recycling containers and pick-up directly with Allied Waste.

Q.  How big are the recycling containers?

A.  The recycling containers are about the same size as your black garbage containers. Both containers are approximately 95 gallons in volume.

Q.  I have two normal garbage containers now. Can I cancel one of them with this program?

A.  Yes. Call the Provo City Helpline at 801-852-6000 and arrange to have one black garbage container canceled.

Q.  I have too much recyclable material for my recycle container. Can I put the overflow next to my cart?

A.  No. The Allied Waste trucks are designed to pick up recyclables only from the recycle containers. You will need to compact the recyclables or hold the overflow until the next pick-up time. Another option is to order an additional recycle container from the city. The extra container will cost an additional $4.75 per month.

Q.  Could I save money by choosing to have garbage pick-up every other week, like the recycling?

A.  No. Currently Provo City Ordinance Section 11.02.030 (2) requires that garbage be picked up once each week and recycling be picked up at least every other week. This is not an option, but the City and Allied Waste are continually exploring ways to make these services the most cost effective for Provo's citizens.

Q.  Should I stop taking old newspapers to the recycling bin at my local school?

A.  No. While the curbside recycling program accepts newspaper, our local schools have been benefiting from newspaper recycling bins for years. If you have been in the habit of donating your old newspapers to benefit your local school, Provo City encourages you to continue.