General Information

  • To process a warranty for a free replacement can, you must provide the can’s SERIAL # which is embossed on the front of the can.
    • THIS IS A REQUIREMENT for us to process replacement cans that are damaged and qualify for warranty.
  • Recycling and Garbage rules apply to a business or residence.
  • We do not swap or exchange cans for credit.

Warranty Policy for Replacement Due To Damage

The garbage and recycling cans are assigned to each specific address and are linked to the property owner as listed in the Town’s tax records. They are not assigned to renters or tenants. If the house is sold, the cans remain with the property and transfer to the new property owner. Each property is limited to two garbage cans and two recycling cans.

Any homes with more cans then allowed will not be replaced. In previous years additional cans were allowed, however since 2019 that policy has changed.

All cans must be issued by the Town of East Lyme Public Works Department to be eligible for curbside collection and warranty coverage. Non–town-issued cans will not be collected. The majority of cans currently in use throughout town are over 20 years old, dating back to the initial implementation of automated curbside collection.

Warranty Information

The garbage and recycling cans are covered under the manufacturer’s limited warranty, which is administered through the Town—not directly by individual residents. Warranty coverage includes:

  • Cart body (including the lid): 12-year limited warranty
  • All other components: 10-year limited warranty
  • Exclusions: Labor, installation, normal wear and tear (e.g., scratches, dirt, discoloration, damage from regular collection by trucks), misuse, negligent use, damage from automated lifters, chemicals, excessive heat, or any alterations made to the can or lid
  • Non-transferable: The warranty applies only to the original purchaser (Town of East Lyme) and is not transferable between municipalities or independent buyers. The warranty period begins when the can was manufactured—not when it is received by the property owner.

The date of manufacture is determined by the first letter of the serial number on the can, which correlates to the year it was produced.

The Public Works Department maintains records of can purchases and manufacturing dates to the best of our ability. However, we always recommend that residents document the serial numbers on their cans in case they are stolen or misplaced.

Each can has a serial number that determines its age and must remain visible and legible for the warranty to be valid. Based on these serial numbers, most cans currently in use no longer fall under warranty due to age alone. Any can that has been altered or tampered with is not eligible for warranty coverage.

Warranty Policy for Replacement Due to Damage

If your can or lid is damaged, please notify us via email, phone, or by using our Notify ELPW reporting site with map.

Warranty coverage is based on the age of the can, determined by its serial number. To evaluate warranty eligibility, you must provide the serial number.

If your can or lid is no longer under warranty, and we determine that the damage was caused by normal wear and tear, including regular collection by the truck, a new can or lid must be purchased. We will contact you to schedule delivery of the replacement can or lid, and pickup of the damaged item, after payment is received.

Please understand that most original cans in our system are approaching 20 years of age and are no longer covered under warranty. Cans exposed to decades of outdoor elements—UV rays, weather, and repeated handling—will degrade over time, and eventual failure is considered normal wear and tear.

All claims for warranty replacement must be handled by the original purchaser (Town of East Lyme) and are submitted exclusively by the Public Works Department.

Replacement lids must be installed by the Town of East Lyme Public Works Department to qualify for a new warranty period.

For complete manufacture warranty terms visit: 👉 Toter Warranty Information

Pricing

TRASH CANS – Brown in color (LIMIT 2 TOTAL CANS PER RESIDENCE or BUSINESS)

  • New Construction, Replacement, or home with no previous can
    • First 96-gallon: $110.
    • Second 96-gallon: $220.
  • Lid: $40 per Lid

RECYCLING CANS – Gray in color (LIMIT 2 TOTAL CANS PER RESIDENCE or BUSINESS)

  • Replacement or existing home with No previous can
    • First 96-gallon: $110
    • Second 96-gallon: $110

NEW Construction Home – NOT existing home and new homeowner

  • Free- With the purchase of a NEW Garbage can

LID

  • $40 per Lid

Payment Information

  • Credit/Debit Card Payments
    • In person at: Field Services Building 8 Capitol Dr., East Lyme, CT 06333.
    • or by telephone: 860-691-4118.
    • Credit Card Payments are accepted Monday – Friday from 8:00AM to 3:00PM
  • Checks payable to the Town of East Lyme (Note what check is for)
  • We no longer accept Cash
  • Mail to: Public Works Department, Field Services Building, 8 Capitol Dr. East Lyme, CT 06333
  • Once payment is received the can(s) will be delivered to the property.
  • If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us.

Request Form