FAQs • Winston-Salem, NC • CivicEngage

Why is the city now requiring a medical verification letter?: The medical verification letter is to ensure that the city provides backyard collection only to households that truly need it. The city switched to mandatory curbside collection in 2010 but allowed households to request an exemption if no one in the home was able to take rollout carts to the curb. Eleven years later, all those same addresses were still receiving backyard collection even though different people may now be living at that address, and they do not need backyard collection.

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Garbage/Recycling Exemption Forms FAQ

1. I am already exempt from curbside collection. Do I need to reapply?: Residents who are currently exempt from curbside garbage collection will have to reapply if they want to continue to receive backyard garbage collection after July 1. Residents who are exempted from rollout recycling do not have to reapply.

2. Why do I need to reapply for a garbage exemption?: Starting July 1, garbage exemptions will only be good for three years at a time. Reapplying will “start the clock” on their exemption.

3. How will I know when my three years is up?: If your application for a garbage exemption is approved you will be sent a copy that is stamped with the date that your exemption will expire.

4. Why is the city now requiring a medical verification letter?: The medical verification letter is to ensure that the city provides backyard collection only to households that truly need it. The city switched to mandatory curbside collection in 2010 but allowed households to request an exemption if no one in the home was able to take rollout carts to the curb. Eleven years later, all those same addresses were still receiving backyard collection even though different people may now be living at that address, and they do not need backyard collection.

5. I need an exemption from curbside garbage collection. Why do I have to supply my own garbage cans?: The city provides rollout carts to enable households to participate in curbside garbage collection. Households that are exempted from curbside collection have no need for a rollout cart. Carts are redistributed to new households needing service.

6. Do I have to get a medical verification letter for an exemption from rollout recycling?: Yes. The recycling program also requires medical verification letters for curbside exemptions. One copy can be provided for both forms or one copy can be provided for each exemption form.

7. Do I have to reapply for recycling exemption?: Once the resident re-applies for garbage exemption, it will be applied to their recycling exemption as well.

8. I want to apply online. Where can I get my verification letter scanned?: Your medical provider may be able to send you the verification letter electronically. If not, all branches of the Forsyth County Public Library have scanners for public use that can create an electronic copy of your verification letter. The staff can assist you.

9. Why does the verification letter have to be dated and on letterhead of the medical practice?: Having the letter on medical practice letterhead gives the city some assurance that this is a bona fide letter from a medical provider. The letter must be dated so that the city staff can verify that the information is current.

10. What happens at the end of three years?: If you continue to need an exemption from curbside garbage collection, you will have to reapply and submit a new medical verification letter.

11. Do other cities require periodic recertification?: Yes. Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville and High Point all require periodic recertification and all but Durham require medical verification.