Automated Collection Update – 11/22/2010

Posted by Bob on November 22, 2010 under Daily Blogs | Be the First to Comment

The transition to automated trash and recycling collection is proceeding according to plan.  While our Public Works Department is still resolving minor glitches and responding to residents questions, the overall process has gone smoother than expected.

One of the most common complaints we have received is from residents who have not yet received the new containers.  The change to the automated system was finance by funds from two (2) primary sources.  The overwhelming majority of the money came from settlement proceeds due the Borough related to the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority (“CRRA”) Enron litigation.  The remaining funds were from an energy block grant distributed through the State of Connecticut from federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (“ARRA”) or stimulus funds.  To date, Borough resources were limited to the staff time devoted to implementation.

Those funds were used to purchase an automated refuse truck, an automated recycling truck and lifters for the regular collection trucks in the fleet.  The remaining dollars allowed the Borough to purchase enough containers for approximately one half ( 1/2 ) of the Borough.  New cans will be added, but the funding will have to be debated and approved during the budget process unless other grants become available.  Our fiscal year is July 1, through June 30.  The containers are not cheap, but the long term savings that will result from the change to automation will reduce costs.  Unfortunately we do not have the resources to purchase enough containers for the entire Borough all at once.

Streets receiving containers were chosen on a number of factors including but not limited to their geometry, the amount of on-street parking, density of homes and correlation to existing routes.  There are some streets in Naugatuck where it will likely be impossible to ever collect trash and recyclables using the automatic arm.  While residences in such areas will eventually receive containers, the implementation will be gradual and such areas will likely be the last to receive the new carts.

Our Public Works employees have also been adjusting to the new system.  We value their collective feedback on how we can improve the system and increase efficiency.  One request is to encourage residents to leave enough space between the regular trash and the recycling container so that the automatic arm has enough clearance to grab the cart.  Ensuring that the containers are not too close to other objects such as telephone polls, mailboxes and fire hydrants is also helpful.  A general rule is to leave four (4) feet of free space on both sides of the containers.

Residents seeking more information regarding the change to automated trash and recycling collection are encouraged to visit the Borough’s website ( www.naugatuck-ct.gov ) or contact the Naugatuck Department of Public Works at 203-720-7071.