Proper Tote Placement

Where and How to Place Your Trash and Recycling Totes for Reliable Pickup

Why Tote Placement Matters

At Reliable Sanitation, our drivers work hard every day to keep Monroe, Randolph, and St. Clair Counties clean and beautiful. One small thing that makes a big difference in keeping service safe and efficient is how your trash and recycling totes are placed on pickup day.

When totes are positioned correctly, our trucks can collect your waste safely, without damage to your property or delays in the route. A few inches in the right direction can save a lot of time — and help ensure every stop is handled reliably.

✅ Proper Tote Placement Guidelines

Here are a few simple tips to make sure your tote is in the perfect spot for pickup:

1. Place totes within 2–3 feet of the street or curb.
   This allows the truck’s automated arm to reach your container easily.
2. Keep 3 feet of space between totes.
   If you have both a trash and a recycling tote, leave at least 3 feet between them.
3. Avoid obstacles.
   Make sure your totes are not placed near:
   • Mailboxes
   • Parked vehicles
   • Utility poles
   • Trees or landscaping
   • Fences or walls
4. Face the handle and wheels toward your home.
   The lid should open toward the street. This helps our trucks empty the tote correctly and prevents spills.
5. Don’t overfill.
   The lid should close completely to prevent litter and help keep your neighborhood clean — especially on windy days.

🚫 Common Placement Mistakes to Avoid

• Totes too close together or against a mailbox
• Blocking sidewalks or driveways
• Lids open or overflowing
• Containers behind vehicles
• Totes on uneven ground or snow piles

Our goal is always to provide reliable service — and following these steps helps us do just that!

💡 Bonus Tip: Set Out the Night Before

To ensure service, place your totes curbside the evening before your scheduled pickup day. Routes can start as early as 6:00 a.m., and having your totes ready ensures you won’t be missed.

🌎 Working Together for Cleaner Communities

Reliable Sanitation is proud to serve our local towns and neighborhoods — and with your help, we can keep every pickup safe, efficient, and on schedule. Proper tote placement helps protect our equipment, our drivers, and your property.