FAQs

Question: Garbage is garbage, what makes Evergreen Sanitation unique?
Answer: Evergreen sanitation is a locally owned and family operated company based in Shakopee, Minnesota. We offer exceptional service at a reasonable price. Our drivers are all trained professionals who care more about the quality of their work and not subject to requirements of “maximum productivity”.

Question: What kind of trucks does Evergreen Sanitation use?
Answer: We have made a business decision to use non-automated trucks, better known as rear-load vehicles. On the downside we are unable to pick up as many stops in one day like some of our competitors. But, quality and not quantity is our goal at Evergreen Sanitation. The rear load garbage truck allows use to offer a more catered service. Additionally, we have the ability to pick up extra or bulky items with the same truck. Meaning, it will be one less truck on your streets. (Most of our competitors need to dispatch a separate truck for extra collections).

Question: Where will my waste go?
Answer: Evergreen Sanitation uses only resource recovery facilities as opposed to direct landfilling for waste that can be processed. The two primary sites for our disposal will be either the South Metro Transfer Station in Shakopee or the Freeway Transfer Station in Burnsville. Both sites transfer the waste material to a processing facility where it is burned and turned into electricity. Only items that cannot be burned will be sent to a landfill.

Question: When I call, will I be put into some automated voicemail system?
Answer: When you call Evergreen Sanitation you will be talking to a live person. On-site we can answer almost any question immediately.

Question: Why does Evergreen Sanitation use 2-sort system for recycling collection?
Answer: Environmentally, studies have shown that using a system of 2-sort recycling versus 1-sort recycling is more environmentally preferable. More contamination and trash is generated in 1-sort than in 2-sort. See specifics of a study at:www.eurekarecycling.org/inf_studies.cfm. Read the report entitled, “The Downside of Single Stream.”

Question: How does the Evergreen Sanitation yard waste program work?
Answer: As a convenience to our customers, Evergreen Sanitation has an easy system of yard waste collection. From April 1st through November 30th we will pick up your yard waste. Our weekly on call yard waste collection (grass/leave bags or bundled brush) will take place the same day as your regular trash pick-up. The cost is $3.00 per bag or $3.00 per brush bundle and will automatically be added to your quarterly bill. We also offer a yearly flat rate fee for yard waste collection. The cost is $70.00 per year with an 8 bag weekly maximum.

Question: How often will I receive a bill?
Answer: All of our customers at Evergreen Sanitation are billed quarterly. As is the industry standard, you will be billed in advance for service. There is also an option to pre-pay for an entire year of service.

Question: What are my taxes for trash pickup?
Answer: It depends on where you live. Everyone living in Minnesota that has residential trash collection pays a solid waste management state tax that is 9.75%. For Hennepin County residents, there is an additional 9% County tax. Residents living in Carver County and Scott County have no additional county taxes. Yard waste/compost and Recycling are not subject to any state or county taxes.

Question: If I don’t recycle, can I get a credit?
Answer: No. State law (statute 115A.552) requires Evergreen Sanitation to provide for recycling. Whether you use the service or not, we must provide it. The charge for recycling is included with your quarterly bill to make it easier for you to understand your invoice.

Question: How do I get rid of an Appliance?
Answer: At this time Evergreen Sanitation does not accept appliances for curbside pick up. Please call us and we will be happy to provide you referral info for appliance collection.

Question: How do I get rid of large items such as bulky goods like couches, etc?
Answer: By having a rear-load truck, we are able to collect bulky items. As a courtesy, please call ahead of time and let us know what you are throwing away. If the item is very large and heavy, we will be able to send additional help for our driver to collect the item.

Question: What happens when there is a major holiday or other holidays such as Columbus Day, etc.?
Answer: Evergreen Sanitation observes the following Holidays: Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. If your service day falls on or after a holiday that is a weekday, your pickup will be delayed one day. (Example: if the holiday falls on a Monday, your service day is on Tuesday.) If the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, your collection schedule is not affected.

***PLEASE REMEMBER TO HAVE ALL WASTE & RECYCLING MATERIAL OUT BY 6:30 A.M. ON YOUR COLLECTION DAY!