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How it Works/FAQs

somacycle step-by-step

1.  Decide if you want to be a somacycler!  
Take a close look at our site and the "in the bin" information to see if our service will help you reduce waste in your household.  
*remember we are currently serving South Orange and Maplewood NJ only.

2.  Subscribe to our waste less, recycle more plan!  
Go to "plans and pricing" or "join somacycle" at the top of the page.  Once you sign up, you'll receive a confirmation email.  Following that, we'll email you to let you know when we'll drop off your bin and the date of your first pickup.  

3.  Collect your recyclables!  
As you start putting things in the bin, it's important to take a moment to confirm that the items are in one of our categories.  There's a little bit of a learning curve, but we have your back!  Our "in the bin" page has images and descriptions of items that we collect.  And you can email us to ask questions - you can include photos of the item(s) in question!

4.  Be ready for pick up day!  
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  • Your pick up day will be on the same day, every other week.  (For example, if your first pickup day is Monday, September 23rd, then your next pick up day will be Monday, October 7th.)
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  • Put your bin out the evening before your pickup day OR by 7am the morning of your pickup day. Make sure the lid is on your bin to keep everything dry.​​
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  • Place your bin on your front walk or driveway, at least mid-way between your house and the sidewalk/street.
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  • We will empty your bin and put it back where you left it so you can take it back inside.
 
  • After pick up, your bin is ready to somacycle again!  
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  • Where should I place my bin for pickup?
    You can place your bin (with the lid on, please) halfway down your front walk or near the end of your front walk. Just make sure to keep it a few feet away from the sidewalk so that there is no chance of anyone confusing it with the town curbside recycling pickup. For those without a front walkway, you can put your bin along your driveway for pickup. Just be mindful of the bin if you are pulling in or out of your driveway on pickup day!
  • What day will my somacycle items be picked up?
    Your somacycle bin will be picked up every two weeks. After you sign up for the service, we will contact you with your pick up schedule. In general, we plan to pick up on the same day as your municipal recycling pickup. For example, if your town recycling is picked up on Monday, somacycle will also pickup on Monday (every other week.) In busy households, we hope this will make it easy to remember.
  • Why is it crucial that items in my bin are dry and free of debris?
    Because we want everything in your bin to get recycled! There are several ways in which recycling can become contaminated, including being wet or containing food residue. So particularly with plastic film items, give them a rinse (and then let them air-dry) if they have crumbs or residue attached. And remember that rain is WET, so even if it's sunny outside, please make sure to put the lid securely on your bin when you put it out for pickup! This will keep your recycling items dry AND keep them from blowing into your neighbor's yard.
  • What do I do if I'm not sure something goes in my somacycle bin?
    Thank you for taking the time to make sure you're putting accepted items in the bin!! First, take a look at the visual recycling guide on our website. Titled "In the Bin" this page has photos of representative items that we accept. If you're still not sure, send us a quick email (ideally with a photo attached) of the item. We'll get back to you. Every question helps us educate our customers better, so thank you!
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