FAQs • Longview, WA • CivicEngage

I got a violation tag on my recycling cart, but the violation was for material that someone else put in my container. Am I still responsible?: Unless you can provide us with a description of the vehicle (license plate, vehicle, etc.) or if you can tell us where the illegal material came from, such as a neighbor, then, unfortunately, you still become responsible for the contents that are found in your brown recycling container. One key to minimize this from happening is to remove your containers from the alley after they have been emptied. We do find that many residents keep their containers in the alley all the time - leaving them susceptible for others to use and abuse.

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Recycling

1. Who do I call when my recycling or garbage container does not get collected?: If your recycling or garbage container is missed, please contact Waste Control at 360-425-4302 or on line at: https://www.wastecontrolrecycling.com/customer-service-missed-pick-up/

2. Who do I call when my recycling or garbage container is damaged or missing?: If your recycling or garbage container is damaged or missing, please contact Waste Control at 360-425-4302 or visit their website: https://www.wastecontrolrecycling.com/customer-service-broken-container/

3. What are the requirements for recycling our Christmas tree?: Typically, there will be a one week period in which the City will advertise where the trees will be collected either at the curb or in the alley at no charge, or you can drop them off at a selected site for up to thirty days. For those that do not get the tree out at the curb or in the alley in time, please contact Waste Control at 360-425-4302.

The current recycling program accepts:

Learn more about what items are or are not recyclable (PDF) or view an extensive list (PDF) of what items are or are not recyclable.

5. Can we recycle those new energy-efficient light bulbs?: Yes! The new energy-efficient light bulbs can be recycled one of two ways. Either take them to Home Depot, or you can bring them to the Household Hazardous Waste area at the Waste Control Transfer Station, at no charge, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

6. How do you prepare the materials for recycling?: The good news is - our curbside program is comingled, so there is no separation necessary for the different materials. Please rinse out any food products. No need to remove paper labels from tin cans or glass containers. Plastic lids from water bottles or milk jugs should be thrown in your green garbage container. Learn more about how to prepare your materials for recycling (PDF).

7. Why can’t I put my recyclables in plastic bags?: While plastic bags are recyclable, they are not accepted in Longview’s curbside program. The main reason why they are now accepted is for safety reasons. Most plastic bags are a solid color - either black or white. Workers on the sorting line cannot see the contents in the bags and unfortunately, used needles and hazardous materials have been found. So, help keep employees safe and do not place your recyclables in plastic bags.

8. I got a violation tag on my recycling cart. What does this mean?: The tag you have received is either a brown “Education Notice,” or a red “Violation Notice.” You should see one (or more) of the boxes checked to see what the Notice was issued for. Please look on the back to learn more about the garbage and recycling guidelines. Learn more about the recycling inspection program.

9. I got a violation tag on my recycling cart, but the violation was for material that someone else put in my container. Am I still responsible?: Unless you can provide us with a description of the vehicle (license plate, vehicle, etc.) or if you can tell us where the illegal material came from, such as a neighbor, then, unfortunately, you still become responsible for the contents that are found in your brown recycling container. One key to minimize this from happening is to remove your containers from the alley after they have been emptied. We do find that many residents keep their containers in the alley all the time - leaving them susceptible for others to use and abuse.

10. Our recycling container is by our home and not placed out for collection. Will the recycling contents still be inspected?: No! The inspector will only look into those recycling containers placed at the curb or in the alley for collection. They will not go onto private property to do any inspections.