Published: July 25, 2008 03:16 pm            

New waste project explained

If you are “in the green” and feel moved to properly dispose of unwanted but recyclable waste, you feel very appreciative for the new recycle drop-off site that became available on Perkins Road on April 22 this year.

Now we are aware of even further vision from our city’s Public Works Division: An entirely new and more convenient waste collection system is under consideration. The plan has been explained abroad throughout the city so that all concerned will have the opportunity to voice their thinking about a new system. A pilot project or test is planned to run throughout the city so that all will see it in operation.

Citizens have been asked their opinion about the test run and the comments heard have been favorable. The tryout will start on Sept. 1 this year.

The plan for the system will abolish the dump trucks that now pick up our trash, with men dumping our garbage containers into the trucks. Special garbage containers will be used that can be lifted and dumped into specially designed trucks equipped with lifters. No individual will be needed to lift the containers. Each truck will need only one person, who will be the driver. The system is called the Automatic Waste Collection system.

Among other presentations made by the city on the new system was the one made to the Stillwater Rotary Club, on which this report had relied. Director of the Public Works Department of the City of Stillwater Ralph Kinder and his assistant, Shannon Cox, management analyst, brought the presentation to the Rotary Club via slide show with photographs.

The Automated Waste Collection has numerous plus factors, Kinder said, over the present system now in use. A few of the advantages presented were: 1) The reduction of worker injuries; 2) A cleaner, more efficient system; 3) Quieter pick-ups; 4) Fewer employees required. Regarding number 4, Kinder said there will be no loss of employment to anyone currently employed on the trucks, “As the city has numerous other vacancies for those people.”

There are cons as well as the pros to the change of systems, Kinder said. One of the first in consideration is; 1) The equipment will be more expensive. Others are; 2) The equipment will require more maintenance; 3) One collection per week instead of two; (4 The purchase and distribution of new polycarts, the cost of which the residents are responsible.

Kinder told of the various forms of public information that will be used to advise Stillwater citizens of the planned new system. “It is important that our people are given full information on the new Automated Waste Collection system,” Kinder said.

Costs to be borne by residents are minimal, he told his audience. The average home will need at least one garbage container, “a reduced size (48 gallon), perhaps two,” Kinder said.

One of those will cost $12.13, but if a second is required, the cost added will be $9.18. Larger carts, 65 gallons, will cost $13.13, and 96 gallon carts will cost $14.13. Another cost to residents is titled “Houseside Service” and that cost is $22.69.

Once the pilot program is completed, the results will be reviewed by the City Council. If Council decides the program is “on go,” the next step is the purchase of the needed equipment.

Areas of the plan that could prompt a negative response in the test are 1) Once a week service, 2) the storage of the polycarts at the home, 3) placement of polycarts on collection day and 4) operation on congested streets, especially in regard to curb parking.

Potential solutions to some of the problems, according to Kinder, are: 1) reduced fee for participants, 2) the question of service to the elderly and the infirm, 3) multiple carts for an additional fee and 4) clear instructions for the users.

Anyone wishing to inquire of the staff for further information is asked to telephone 533-8491.ꃃ

        

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