Frequently Asked Questions about
Trash Service Enforcement, Warning Letters,
Notices of Violation, and Citations

“Why do I have to have trash service?” or “What if I cannot afford trash service?”

Trash service is required by law in Saint Louis County.  This requirement has been in effect since the 1980’s to ensure that people don’t create a public health nuisance or pollute the environment.    

The Saint Louis County Waste Code states in 607.140 that, “If waste collection service is reasonably available for a premises where waste is generated, an agreement shall be in effect for the collection of waste generated on the premises with a waste collection service having waste collection vehicles licensed by the Director for the collection, transportation, and disposal of waste. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner and the person generating the waste to assure that an agreement for the collection of waste is in effect.”

“What if I am taking my trash to some other place?” (For example, my children take care of my trash, or my neighbors allow me to put it with theirs.)

The law states that trash service is required at the premises where waste is generated.  You need to re-establish trash service with the authorized district hauler.  Once this is verified with the hauler, enforcement action will be stopped. 

“What if I’m using another hauler?”

County ordinances prohibit haulers – other than the authorized district hauler – from servicing residences within the designated trash districts.  Please verify that you have trash service with the authorized hauler by calling (314) 615-4285 (HAUL) or going tohttp://www.stlouisco.com/doh/waste/enforcement.html. We will then contact the authorized trash hauler to confirm that you have established service.  Once we’ve confirmed your service with the authorized hauler, you will be considered in compliance.

“What if I have already signed back up for service?”

The mailing you received was based on the status of your account as reported to us by the district hauler. Please disregard the mailing if your service has already been reinstated.

 “What if my house is vacant?”

Please notify the County of this vacancy by calling (314) 615-4285 (HAUL) or by using the online notification form available at http://www.stlouisco.com/doh/waste/enforcement.html.  The vacancy will be verified by the Public Works Department.  Once the vacancy is confirmed, we will not take any further enforcement action.

“What if my house cannot be serviced by the district hauler?”

Please notify the County of this by calling (314) 615-4285 (HAUL) or by using the online notification form available at http://www.stlouisco.com/doh/waste/enforcement.html.  The Public Works Department will review your status with the authorized district hauler.  If the District hauler CAN provide curbside service, then you will be responsible for getting your service reinstated.  If the District hauler CANNOT provide curbside service, you will still be required to store and dispose of your trash in compliance with County ordinances.   Once this is verified by the Department of Health, all enforcement action will stop.

“What if I live in an opted-out neighborhood?”

Please notify the County of this by calling (314) 615-4285 (HAUL) or by using the online notification form available at http://www.stlouisco.com/doh/waste/enforcement.html.  The Public Works Department will review your subdivision’s status.  If the household IS in an opted-out subdivision, the address will be forwarded to the district hauler and no further enforcement action will be taken.  If the household is NOT in an opted-out subdivision, then you will need to get trash service reinstated with the authorized district hauler. 

“What if I have a physical disability and cannot take my trash out to the curb for collection?”

For residences that have no person age thirteen (13) years old or older physically able to place waste and recovered materials at the designated location, the district hauler will provide an accommodation (such as pick up at the door as opposed to the curb).  However, there may be an additional charge for this service. Please contact your district hauler for details.

“What if I have an existing contract with another hauler?”

If your contract was in place before January 1st, 2008, then it may still be valid.  However, when your contract expires, you will need to sign up with the district hauler.  In order to stop enforcement action, you will need to fax a copy of the contract to (314) 615-4008 or mail a copy to:

  “What if I dispose of my trash by burning it?”

Burning trash is not allowed in Saint Louis County.  You will need to re-establish trash service with the authorized district hauler.  Once this is verified with the hauler, enforcement action will be stopped. 

“What if I am going on vacation for an extended period of time?”

You must notify your district hauler prior to your vacation and the residence must be vacant for a minimum of sixty (60) consecutive days.  The hauler can then put you on their vacation list and you will not be billed for this time period.  Once the information is verified through the hauler, enforcement action will be stopped. 

“What if I was unaware of the situation because I was on vacation?” (That is, I only found the mailing when I got back from my vacation.)

You will need to re-establish trash service with the authorized district hauler.  Once this is verified with the hauler, enforcement action will be stopped. 

“What if I don’t generate any trash?”

Some households do generate very little waste; however, not everything can be recycled or composted.  Saint Louis County ordinance 607.140 requires all households to have trash service.  You will need to re-establish trash service with the authorized district hauler.  Once this is verified with the hauler, enforcement action will be stopped.