2010

Posted by Bob on October 20, 2010 under Daily Blogs | 7 Comments to Read

The Naugatuck Public Works Department has issued a revised list of of streets and their corresponding collection days associated with the change to automated refuse and recycling.

Streets which will be switched to automated collection and their corresponding days can be viewed here.

Streets which will not be included in the first (1st) phase of automated collection but will experience a change in collection days can be viewed here.

For more information please visit www.naugatuck-ct.gov or call the Public Works Department at 203-720-7071.

Matt Erickson said,

Bob,

In the past, residents could leave various amounts of refuse at the street. Now that we have a new trash collection system, could you considered opening the Recycling Center at 7:30 for the occasional trash overflow residents may need to remove. That way residents could drop off extra refuse on the way to work.
Bob said,

Hi Matt:

Your suggestion is valid, but it is all a matter of cost. Currently the Recycling Center is open 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Thursday’s and Saturday’s. Expanding would require additional part time employees or additional overtime. Thanks for your ideas.
Steve LaGrave said,

Bob,
Was there any notification sent out that our Trash day would change from Thursday to Tuesday? If so, I have not received one.
Steve D. said,

Hi Mayor Bob,

First off, I commend you for your efforts in making Naugatuck a better place to live. I think that there are many pros attributed with the new automated system, but I do have one major issue.

My concern is with durability of the new cans. It is noted that replacement for stolen and damaged cans will be at the cost of the resident. In many cases this will not be fair.

How many years are these cans supposed to last for? Winter conditions in conjunction with wear and tear from the automated-machine will cause these containers to break within a few years, guaranteed.

Are we going to be responsible for purchasing new cans every three or four years?!?!?

My secondary concern with durability lies with ‘punk kids.’ By the nature of trash pick up, these extra large, curbside cans are going to be targets for many kids to ram with their cars, especially in tight neighborhoods.

How do you feel about these issues? Is there a reasonable timetable for free replacements to be issued once these containers start to self-destruct?

Your response will be greatly appreciated. Thanks Bob.
Bob said,

Mr. LaGrave:

We sent postcards and left a “Code Red” phone message to all residents who experienced a change in trash/recycling collection days. In addition, changes were posted on our Borough website (www.naugatuck-ct.gov) and my blog. I do not know why you did not receive notice.

If you provide your street address (you may send directly to bob@bobmezzo.com) I will be glad to follow-up with Public Works. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Bob said,

Steve D.:

We will be constantly analyzing the new automated system as we proceed. Durability of the containers is certainly an issue, but residents of communities that have made the switch have found the containers quite sturdy. We will certainly have to address replacement containers as years pass. While there is no definitive plan for replacement at this time, the change to automation is a long-term process that has anticipated the need to address such logistics. The general direction to our Department of Public Works is to be reasonable when responding to issues and/or problems raised by residents.

Vandalism is always a concern beyond just the new containers. All containers have bar codes that identify them to particular residences which should help prevent theft. While we can work with our police department to address vandalism in specific areas, it is often difficult to govern bad and destructive behavior. We would again try and address such matters through our public works department in a reasonable manner.

Thanks for your comments.
Matt Erickson said,

Bob,
In reference to the Recycling Center hours, I was not suggesting that we extend the hours but to revise them. I feel that the current hours do not meet the needs of working residents. Having the center open at 7AM -1PM, especially on Thursdays would allow residents to drop-off before work. In addition, you would be collecting revenue on the extra refuse we would have left at the curb under the old system. I applaud your efforts to reduce costs, but not at the expense of my time!