HAVE QUESTIONS?
check out our most frequently asked questions.
PICK UP TIMES, SCHEDULING, AND DUMPSTER QUESTIONS
When are containers emptied and trash/recycling is collected?
All containers must be free of obstructions and made accessible on scheduled collection days.
For commercial dumpster services, pickup times start as early as 5:30am.
If your container is not made accessible on your service day and you cannot go without service until your next scheduled service, your account may be charged $50 for us to return to your location.
When are residential carts emptied and trash/recycling collected?
All containers must be free of obstructions and made accessible on scheduled collection days.
For residential curbside cart services, pickup times start at 7:00am.
If your container is not made accessible on your service day and you cannot go without service until your next scheduled service, your account may be charged $50 for us to return to your location.
How do holidays effect pick up times and dates?
Waste removal & recycling services that fall on or around the following holidays may be rescheduled due to limited disposal hours & closings at MOA SWS dumpsites:
- Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
- New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day
Schedule change notifications will be made via email, text message, social media, website & invoicing.
Please contact our customer service department today to make sure your account is update to date to receive these notifications.
What is the needed clearance for each dumpster?
Please keep all sides of the dumpster area clear by 3 or more feet. Please, do not put refuse in front of/lean any items against the dumpster or place any trash on the ground within 3 feet of the dumpster. This could result in a non-service. This can also result in the container not being put back in proper position due to trash falling under container when lifted.
Where should I place my roll carts for my residential service day?
ALL containers need to be placed curbside 3 feet apart for the arm to properly grab the container for service.
Any additional bags must be placed 3 feet to the side of the container as well to avoid trash getting caught on the container during service.
Why do the dumpsters require clearance around them?
The trucks are wider than the dumpster, if you park right next to the dumpster, we may not be able to empty the dumpster due to possible damages that may occur. Please make sure there are no vehicles or any other obstacles in the way of the incoming truck. It is also expected to allow clear access through any gates or lots.
How should dumpsters be prepared for for trash & recycling collection?
If you would like the lids closed, please have them closed when we empty your dumpster. Due to time restraints, liability and safety, our drivers are encouraged to not leave the truck. If the lids are open at time of service, they stay open. Please try to refrain from moving the dumpsters around. When we initially place dumpsters at the requested customer location or agreed upon spot, we make sure it is as accessible as possible. Containers on wheels can be moved but need to be returned to the same spot for pick up.
What is considered extra refuse?
For both commercial dumpsters and residential carts with the lids not completely closed due to overfilling of the container, additional collection fees may be charged based on volume of excess (per cubic yard for commercial / per bag for residential) based on waste class & collection type.
How should extra refuse be handled?
Northern Waste does not remove any items left outside of container. This is a safety and liability concern for our drivers. It is the responsibly of the customer to maintain any refuse left outside of container at all times. For On-Call Services & Extra Pickups: contact us at 907-522-0123; please allow up to 48 hours for scheduling of extra services.
What should I do with large bulky items?
Please do not put large bulky items such as mattresses and other furniture out for collection with your regular service.
If you need to dispose of these items, we recommend:
- If the items are of useable quality, donating to a local second hand store. Some may even pickup from your location.
- If the item needs disposed, we can provide a container specific to the size of the item(s) needing disposed separate from your current service for an additional charge.
How can Northern Waste be contacted after hours?
For after hours contact please TEXT us at the number provided on each of our dumpsters: 907-522-0123. For fire emergencies, please call your local fire department immediately. Notify Northern Waste by phone or text after the fire has been put out and it is deemed safe by the Fire Department.
Billing Questions
How is billing done?
For commercial dumpster services, all scheduled services are billed monthly, in advance. Extra services & excess collection are billed arrears, on the following invoice provided after the service has been completed.
For residential services, all scheduled services are billed quarterly, in advance. Extra services & excess collection are billed arrears, on the following invoice provided after the service has been completed.
Partial months will be prorated for applicable services for both commercial & residential service accounts.
When are invoices provided?
Invoices are generated on the 1st day of each billing cycle. Alternatively, should the 1st fall on a weekend or holiday, we will provide invoices on the 1st business day of the affected billing cycle.
- Commercial 1st of Every Month
- Residential 1st of Every Quarter
Do you have automatic payment plans?
Yes, automatic payments plans are available via credit card or ACH and are charged in conjunction of each billing cycle & invoice processing.
What if there are changes to be made to the billing details?
Please notify us at 907-522-0123 when you have a change in address, phone number, service needs or account updates to keep your information current and up to date.
Waste & Recycling Accepted Items
What types of items are not accepted with my trash collection?
Only place acceptable items out for trash or recycling collection. Residents are responsible for the items they leave for Northern Waste collection. Northern Waste is NOT licensed for hazardous waste removal. Do not place rocks, concrete, dirt, hazardous waste or ashes (hot or cold) in any Northern Waste container. Certain debris require specific disposal and safety precautions. Title to and liability for these materials shall remain with customer at all times. Still unsure if your items are accepted? Please contact one of our team members at 907-522-0123.
Please read Disposal Guidelines published by Alaska Division of Environmental Health – Solid Waste Program.
How do recycling services work?
Please separate materials into their appropriate containers for trash and recycling. Failure to do so could contaminate the entire recycling load for the designated truck, which may result in the load being denied at a recycling facility. The customer is responsible for any/all fees associated with emptying the entire recycle truck load of contaminated recycling as trash based on the current disposal rate of closest dumpsite – Central Transfer Station and Anchorage Regional Landfill.
NOTE: Cardboard Only Containers – Please breakdown boxes for optimum capacity & only recycle non-contaminated cardboard. Available in both frontload and roll off service options.
NOTE: Mixed Paper Only Containers – Uncontaminated mixed office paper, mail, newsprint, cardboard, etc. Available in both frontload and roll off service options.
NOTE: Metal Only Containers – Only available in roll off containers.
NOTE: Co-Mingled Single Stream Only Containers – See image below for accepted items. Only available in curbside roll carts & rolloff dumpster containers.
Cancellations and Account Suspension
How do I cancel my service?
To cancel a scheduled service or account, please contact your local Northern Waste office at 907-522-0123 at least 7 days prior to your last date of desired service.
What are the conditions for suspended services?
Service may be suspended for any non-payment scenario. Service may be discontinued and the dumpster removed for non-payment situations. When service resumes there may be additional fees for service resuming and/or container re-delivery.
Equipment, Insurance, Liability, and Warranty questions
Who owns the waste management equipment?
The equipment that Northern Waste provides under this agreement is property of Northern Waste. The customer shall take custody of this equipment and is responsible for it’s proper use.
What happens if any equipment is damaged when on property?
The customer shall pay for the loss and all damages to the equipment and for its contents while under the customer’s custody.
How can equipment be returned or replaced?
Northern Waste will pick up and retrieve all equipment. The Customer shall return the equipment in the same condition as received, except for normal wear and tear.
Who is responsible for the right-of-way access to the dumpster?
The customer warrants that its right-of-way access is sufficient to carry the weight of Northern Waste’s equipment/vehicles and shall pay for any damage to its property, including pavement, subsurface or curbing, resulting from the waste services provided.
NOTE: Northern Waste will always recommend the best placement of containers for optimum access & safety.
NOTE: If the customer requests a service location that is deemed unsafe by Northern Waste employee as damage may occur or access is limited, the customer is liable for and costs for damages that occur.
NOTE: If the dumpster is moved from the original location by any persons not employed by Northern Waste then the customer is responsible for any damages to the container and/or customer property.