Show All Answers

1. What is automated collection?

Automated collection is a system where garbage containers are emptied using a mechanical arm on the collection vehicle, instead of workers lifting and emptying cans by hand. The city’s automated collection service is made by one solid waste employee (driver) per truck; the manual system requires a 3 person crew (driver and two collectors).

2. How does it work?

Each home was supplied with a specially designed wheeled container for garbage. Garbage will still be collected twice each week. On collection day, residents must ensure that the containers are set out in their proper location curbside, accessible by the new automated vehicle.

3. What kinds of garbage can I put in the automated garbage container?

All household garbage items may be placed in the container. It is also recommended that garbage items be bagged and tied, then deposited in your container. This practice will keep your container cleaner and minimize odors. Do not load your container with hot ashes or coals, household hazardous waste or medical waste, paint, or any yard waste such as bagged or loose grass, leaves, or small branches.

4. What if my garbage does not fit inside my container?

Each 96 gallon container will hold the equivalent of 3 normal trash cans. It is important that you place all household garbage inside the container so that the operator can utilize the mechanical arm to lift the container and empty it. The key to automated twice-a-week curbside service is the ability of the solid waste trucks to use the automated collection arm which picks up the container. This does not work if bags of garbage are placed outside of your container. Drivers will not exit the trucks to manually pick-up additional garbage not placed into the container.

Tip: If you have an unusual amount of garbage that will not fit in the city issued container for your upcoming pick-up: use an additional garbage container, that can be purchased at your local hardware store, to keep extra garbage in until you can place it in the city issued container on your next pick-up.

5. What do I do with cardboard boxes?

Cardboard boxes and similar items should be cut up and broken so that they fit properly into the city issued container. Do not place those items outside of the container as the driver will not exit the truck to pick the item(s) up.

6. What happens if my container is damaged, lost or stolen?

Every container has a serial number so containers can be matched to each house address. Container problems associated with normal wear and tear will be repaired by the city. However, any containers that are stolen or damaged through neglect or misuse will be replaced at the property owners' expense.

Residents are responsible for routine maintenance, including keeping the containers clean, removing the containers from the street after collection, and storing the containers in a safe place.

7. What do I do with my container when I move?

Your container is the property of the city. It is provided for this location only and must remain at this property. If you relocate to another location within the city limits, call our office to determine specifics about trash collection service (day(s) of service, for example).

8. What do I do with my container when I move?

Your container is the property of the city. It is provided for this location only and must remain at this property. If you relocate to another location within the city limits, call our office to determine specifics about trash collection service (day(s) of service, for example).

9. What if I want to change the size of my automated container?

Should customers want to change the size of container, the city will provide the option of downgrading to a 64 gallon or 48 gallon container.

10. May I continue to use my old refuse can?

The new automated trucks will only pick up the new containers, thus, your old cans cannot be used for household garbage.

11. What if my garbage was not picked-up?

There may be several reasons that your garbage was not picked-up:
1. The container was not placed properly for the driver to safely pick up (sideways, backwards, too close to surrounding objects, too far from the edge of the road, etc.)
2. The container was overfilled and/or the lid not properly closed
3. There were items placed in the can that are not permitted
4. Garbage not placed in the city issued container