EAST PROVIDENCE — The delivery of the 90-plus gallon blue containers to residents for the new automated recycling collection system about to be used by the city started in earnest Tuesday, Aug. 13.

Large collections of the bins are strategically placed in the city awaiting delivery, including the parking lot of Fynn Field at Agawam Park off Pawtucket Avenue. The main staging area where the bins are actually being put together and readied for delivery is the East Providence High School parking lot, according to East Providence Department of Public Works Director Steve Coutu.

MTG Disposal will be distributing the carts to all residents throughout the month of August. In addition, an informational brochure will be provided to each household. Residents are urged to continue using their old or current bins until the new collection schedule starts. MTG has purchased four new vehicles designed for automated collection of recyclables. Drivers are currently being trained in the process.

Mr. Coutu said the plan is for MTG to begin distribution in the north end of the city first, working south until complete. It's estimated to take about three weeks to be completed.

The bins are part of the new automated recycling collection system, which is designed to make recycling easier, more cost-efficient and convenient for residents, according to a release from the DPW Refuse/Recycling Division.

The revamped collection system begins the week of Sept. 9. It's important to note with automated collection, pick up of recyclables changes from every week to an every other week schedule.

As of Sept. 9, all recyclable items must be placed inside the new bins. Any items outside of the bins or placed in the old blue or green containers cannot be collected.

The new bins must be set with the lid opening facing the street. Once recyclables are picked up, the bins must be removed from curbside and stored out of view until the next collection. Of note, on recycling weeks trash will not be collected if there is no recycling cart set out at the curb.

At the moment, there is no specific plan for the collection of the old smaller blue and green bins currently used by residents. Mr. Coutu expects many to use them as intermediaries, collecting recyclables on a daily basis then emptying into the larger new ones for collection. Those who wish not to keep their old bins once the automated system starts can drop them off at DPW headquarters on Commercial Way.

The following is a list of Frequently Asked Questions DPW hopes to answer prior to the start of the new collection system:

Q. What do I put in the new cart?

A: All of the recycling materials that you now place within your blue or green bin may now be placed within your new recycling cart. Do not leave recycling materials outside of the cart.

For a complete list of recycling materials please visit:  www.recycletogetherri.org

Q. Will the pickup schedule change?

A: Your recycling cart will be picked up every other week  starting September 9th with new automated pickup trucks.  There is no change to your trash pickup or leaf and yard waste pickup.

Q. What do I do with my blue and green bin?

A: You may keep your blue and green bin if you wish, however your recycling materials will not be picked up from these bins starting September 9th.  If you wish to dispose of your blue and green bin, you may drop them off at the City’s Public Works Facility located at 60 Commercial Way.

Q.  Why should I recycle?

A: There are many environmental benefits to recycling, plus it saves money.  Your tax dollars are spent to dispose of trash.  The City pays for every ton of trash disposed at the landfill.  Rhode Island Resource Recovery accepts recyclable materials for free and actually reimburses the City depending on the amount recycled.

Q.  What should I do with the cart if I move?

A: Please leave your cart at your residence.  Each cart has a radio frequency identification tag (RFID) installed that registers the cart to a specific address.  The RFID tags are located by GPS coordinates that can monitor cart locations and send and alert if the cart is not registered to the address where it is collected.

Q.  Who do I call if I have a problem or question?

A: Please contact the Department of Public Works, Refuse/Recycling Division at 435-7710 or eprecycle@cityofeastprov.com