• What is Automated Collection?

Automated Collection is a totally unique system of residential refuse collection. Each home is furnished with a special container, which the householder rolls to the end of the driveway on collection day. The garbage truck, equipped with a lifting mechanism on the side, will pull up to the container. The operator never leaves the truck cab, but controls the entire loading operation from his right hand drive seat. The whole process takes only about 10 seconds. After collection, the resident rolls the durable, weather resistant container back to either its indoor or outdoor storage place.

• Why is Automated Collection better than traditional methods?

The most important feature of automated systems is that it allows your city to collect garbage much more efficiently. It will help stabilize cost while improving service. Automation eliminates manual loading, thus reducing job-related injuries. The city supplies extremely durable containers with close fitting lids. This eliminates expense on your part for personal cans. Litter, odor and fly problems are greatly reduced. The curbside containers are maneuverable and easy to roll. No more strained backs from carrying out the garbage."

• What is the difference between fully automated collection and a semi-automated cart system?

As far as the resident is concerned, there is very little difference. Both systems provide a convenient method for storing and disposing of household trash although the fully automated container is typically larger and more durable than most carts now in use. The most important difference is the potential cost savings available through fully automated collection since one person can do the work of three or more using conventional collection methods.

• What will it cost me the homeowner?

No more than the rate you are paying now. It should also help to avoid future rate hikes because the city is now able to better define costs and control them. Actually, it may save you money since you won't have to buy any more garbage cans.

• May I continue to use my old container?

Because the new automated truck will pick up ONLY the new containers your old trash cans cannot be used. The new containers are much larger than your old cans and should adequately hold your trash.

• What kind of refuse can I put in the container?

All trash should be bagged to prevent litter from blowing out of the truck when it is being dumped. Paper, cans and other typical household trash of course. And because of the size of your new container with its close fitting lid, you will now be able to put in yard trimmings - as long as they fit under the lid. Cardboard boxes should be flattened to save space. In the interest of container cleanliness, we encourage you to use plastic bags for wet garbage and to occasionally hose out your container. Items that should NOT be placed in the new containers include: large quantities of dirt, sod or rock, large appliances or furniture, flammable materials such as oil, gas or paint, concrete, hot ashes, and debris from construction, remodeling or demolition. The durable plastic material is impervious to odors and household chemicals. It does not corrode, etch, or deteriorate and: IT'S RUST PROOF!

• Will residents set out the containers in time for early morning collection?

All trash must be at the curb by 6:00 a.m. Residents usually learn to work with the system in order to benefit from its advantages. Occasionally, customers call in "misses" where they have put their containers out too late. In order to deal with this problem, operators should be instructed to make a note of addresses where containers were not out for collection so customers can be informed and requirements enforced. Where collections occur early, customers soon learn to set the container out the night before.

• Will 90-gallon containers be sufficient capacity for my garbage?

The generation of refuse varies with locale, size of family, size of lot, affluence and other factors. Surveys have shown that providing a 90-gallon capacity container per -household per week takes care of most normal needs. Automated system municipalities can usually arrange for additional containers or service on some equitable basis for the small number who may need it.

• What if the container does get full before collection day?

National surveys indicate that 90-gallon containers like you will receive are adequate for the average home. Each container will hold the equivalent of three of our normal metal trash containers. If, however there is a problem with the capacity, you may call and request special service.

• Will containers make it through skipped collections on holidays or breakdowns?

Since one man does the work of three to four manual collectors ' overtime pay is not nearly so burdensome and many systems operate on holidays. Where once per week collection of 90-gallon containers is used, holiday collection is usually not needed.

• What will you do if a medical (or physical) condition prohibits my handling the container?

Upon receipt of certification by a licensed medical doctor that your health will not permit you to handle the container, steps will be taken to have your container moved to the curb on collection day by someone other than yourself.

• What about parking on collection days?

"So that the collection truck can easily approach the containers, we ask that you do not park at the curb on collection day." This simple request has had remarkable effectiveness, even in areas that were considered to be sure problems.

• What if vehicles block containers in the street?

At the curb it is a simple matter to avoid parking conflicts by requiring containers to be placed at the corner of the driveway. Unless householders park in front of the driveway, the container will be accessible. In those few locations where parking is an extreme problem, or where sidewalks are narrow, many cities ask residents to place containers in the gutter beside the curb, and to park autos so as to accommodate the new system.

• Will citizens complain because containers are located inconveniently?

Yes, a few customers will complain about container location. Again, they usually appreciate the advantages and eventually accept the minor inconveniences that go along with them. Surveys of users made after three weeks or more of use have indicated a fifteen-to-one or higher preference for automated collection. Scottsdale, Arizona's "favorablility index" reports that the percentage of those approving the city's refuse collection are 65% for householders with manual collection; 92% for householders with 90 gallon containers, and 87% for residents sharing 300 gallon containers with three other families. These figures show that automated collection improves the public's attitude toward refuse collection service.

• What are vandalism costs?

They are generally similar to vandalism costs on other public property. In cities, which have adopted the system, the vandalism costs seldom exceed 1% of initial cost per year. They usually result from defacing containers or from setting refuse in the containers afire. Heil Rotomold containers are difficult to damage with autos or hand tools.

• Who replaces damaged containers?

Most cities expect householders or vandals who damage containers to replace them. Often the responsibility is difficult to assign and cities replace them at public expense. Rotationally molded containers are extremely durable and can withstand even the toughest abuse, however The Heil Co. under the terms of the standard warranty policy replaces containers, which fail in normal use.

• What happens when a resident moves?

He leaves his container for use by the next resident. In spite of its apparent convenience as a storage bin for household effects, very few containers "disappear" when residents move. The containers are a bit awkward in the trunk of a car or back of a pick-up. At any rate, loss from theft or moving is negligible when a serial number is permanently applied to each container.

• What if my container is stolen or destroyed?

Each household will receive one specialized container when the new system begins. Upon verification by the police department, stolen containers should be replaced free of charge. The city will repair or replace all damaged containers except damage due to negligence or abuse.

• What will the city do with its existing fleet of collection trucks?

Automated collection can be phased-in over a period of time, converting one route or several routes per year. This gradual phase-in allows for older trucks to be retired on a well-planned depreciation basis. If the city chooses to use some of its present rear loader fleet to pickup the automated containers, a container "Flipper" is available to mount on the back of the rear loaders. The Flipper eliminates lifting of heavy cans, and can be used as a first step towards fully automated collection.

• Will the city provide back-up equipment?

The management team, which develops the proposal for the city, should allow for backup equipment. Many cities have purchased one truck for small systems and have operated satisfactorily. But for larger systems, back-up equipment becomes increasingly important and should be part of any well-managed system. The Flipper shown above is an excellent source for back-up situations.

• Will the introduction of automated collection mean that the Sanitation Department will layoff employees, adding to the unemployment problem?

No. Usually cities find that normal attrition coincides well with the phase-in of automated collection. Eventually, the Sanitation Department will I have fewer employees (saving tax dollars) and will be operating much more efficiently. Often sanitation the unemployment workers can be transferred to other was pressing municipal areas, such as the Streets Department. Automated refuse collection systems have a proven record of reducing employee turnover, absenteeism and on the job injuries, resulting in improved employee moral and self-esteem.

• How does the system work in inclement weather?

The containers are tested to withstand temperature extremes from -600 below zero F to 20(r above zero F. Users in snowy areas like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Wyoming and Montana have shown that the system works well in adverse weather conditions. The wide wheels (21/2") ride well on snow and users comment that the container is surprisingly easy to roll out with snow on the ground.