Automated Garbage Collection ANSWERS to FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

2018-06-28

Automated Garbage Collection ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

WHY DID THE CITY PURCHASE A NEW AUTOMATED GARBAGE TRUCK? The three existing garbage trucks in the City fleet were beyond their useful lives. The trucks were scheduled to be retired in 2011, but replacement was deferred until 2017, when the age and condition of the trucks was resulting in excessive downtime and extraordinary repairs. In addition to their mechanical state, the manual style of loading garbage into the previous trucks contributed to garbage collection being one of the leading causes of injury to City workers. These injuries result in manpower shortages and WorkSafe claims that are an increased cost to taxpayers.

WHAT IS AN AUTOMATED GARBAGE COLLECTION SYSTEM? Automated collection refers to the system where an operator activates a mechanical arm on the side of the collection vehicle to lift and empty standardized collection carts.

WHY DID THE CITY WANT TO CHANGE TO AN AUTOMATED GARBAGE COLLECTION SYSTEM? Automated collection is more efficient, environmentally-friendly, safer and economical than manual collection. Research has shown that the existing manual style of garbage truck currently used can contribute to increased injury to City workers. Injured workers mean lost time at work and additional wages to get the work done.

WHY THE NEED FOR STANDARDIZED COLLECTION CARTS? The automated collection system requires standardized carts for pick up by the mechanical arm. Regular garbage cans cannot be picked up with the mechanical arm as they are not designed for this purpose. The lids on the standardized carts are designed to be left closed by residents and will open automatically as the cart is dumped.

WHO COLLECTS THE GARBAGE? A City of Kimberley employee from the Operations Department will operate the automated garbage truck that picks up residential garbage. Although the automated collection system is more efficient, no impact on City employee numbers is anticipated. Any efficiencies in crew schedules will allow work to continue on other priority work and projects for the City.

HOW MUCH MORE IS THE AUTOMATED COLLECTION SYSTEM GOING TO COST ME? The automated collection system has actually resulted in a reduction to your garbage utility fee. The City will experience lower operating costs with this new system.

IS THE COST WORTH IT? Yes, particularly when all factors are considered. The cost of a new automated collection system truck and carts is not significantly greater than purchasing two new manual-loading garbage trucks. The City’s goal is to provide effective, timely garbage collection service in the most cost- efficient manner possible.

WILL MY SERVICE BE THE SAME OR BETTER? Garbage collection service reliability will improve with the automated system. A new truck means fewer breakdowns and less scheduling disruptions and delays. The automated system allows more efficient collection, reducing time required, and allowing resources to be allocated to additional work and projects.

WILL MY SERVICE BE ON THE SAME DAY? Some collection routes will change with the automated collection system. Routes were reviewed and planned to maximize efficiency. Any route changes will be communicated to residents to ensure everyone knows their service day.

WILL THE AMOUNT OF GARBAGE I CAN PUT OUT FOR COLLECTION CHANGE? You will be allowed to fill the new collection cart. There are only two restrictions: 1) The lid on your cart must be able to close completely (do not overfill your cart). 2) You must restrict the weight so that damage is not caused to the cart by overweight loads.

ARE THERE WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS FOR THE COLLECTION CARTS? Yes. The maximum weight load for the cart is 59kgs (130lbs). Please keep in mind that excessive weight in your garbage cart could result in damage to your cart, this would not be the responsibility of the City.

2 WHAT IF THE COLLECTION CART IS TOO SMALL FOR MY HOUSEHOLD? Research shows that the 120L cart is adequate for most residences, plus it will help encourage proper recycling. The 120L cart will hold an amount of garbage roughly equivalent to what was allowed previously. It is the responsibility of the home owner to take care of any excess solid waste that does not fit in the garbage cart. Using an efficiently sized garbage collection cart helps ensure that less waste ends up in our landfills. It also helps reduce the municipal cost of collection and the regional disposal of waste.

WHAT IF I GENERATE MORE GARBAGE PER WEEK THAN I CAN PUT IN MY GARBAGE CART? It is the responsibility of the home owner to take care of any excess solid waste that does not fit in the garbage cart.

WHAT KIND OF GARBAGE CAN I PUT IN THE CART & CAN I THROW LOOSE TRASH IN THE CART? All regular household garbage may be placed inside the cart. You can use any kind of garbage bags in a variety of sizes from small to large. Waste must be bagged and tied. This will prevent garbage from becoming airborne as well as help keep your cart cleaner. Anything that is placed inside the cart must be able to fall freely when dumped. Please ensure that you do not stuff the cart tight with garbage.

WHAT DO I DO WITH PET WASTE? Pet waste is allowed in the garbage cart, as long as it is double-bagged and securely tied.

WILL THE CARTS COLLECT RECYCLING? No, recycling will continue to be handled through the yellow bins placed and managed by the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK).

WHAT ARE THE SIZE OPTIONS FOR THE COLLECTION CARTS? The garbage collection carts will be issued in one (1) size for residential collection: 120L. Residents will be allocated one (1) 120L residential collection cart.

MAY I PURCHASE AN ADDITIONAL GARBAGE CART? No. Each residence will only be permitted one garbage cart. Residents may upsize up to a 240L capacity garbage cart upon request. If a resident is upsizing from their original 120L cart, a fee will apply. Please call the Operations Department to learn how to request an upsizing of your garbage cart and the fee’s that apply.

WHERE SHOULD I STORE MY CART? Solid Waste Rates & Regulations Bylaw No. 2520, 2015 requires that all waste must be stored securely until the morning of your waste collection day so as not to attract wildlife. This requirement has not changed. Store your waste and recycling carts in your home, garage or a secured shed.

3 HOW SHOULD I KEEP MY CART CLEAN? Here are some ways to prevent odours or conflicts with wildlife: • Wash your cart out regularly with a mild non-toxic detergent. • Place your garbage into garbage bags inside your cart • Keep your cart stored in a location protected from wildlife access • Keep the lid closed at all times.

HOW WILL I KEEP TRACK OF WHICH COLLECTION CART IS MINE? The collection carts will be inventoried and each one assigned to one address. The carts will be marked, so the City will be able to track the carts and determine where a cart belongs if one goes missing or if carts get mixed up. The carts will belong to the City, and will be provided to each residence. It will be the resident’s responsibility to keep the cart clean and in good condition.

WHAT IF MY NEW CART BREAKS? The collection carts are designed to withstand all seasons, including our cold winter temperatures. In the event that your cart is damaged, please contact the Operations Department for repair or replacement to be arranged. Any associated fee would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, depending upon the cause of the damage.

WHAT IS THE COST IF MY CART IS DAMAGED, LOST OR STOLEN? The cost for the cart is $60.00 (may change as supplier costs fluctuate). This cost is the responsibility of the home owner if the cart is lost, stolen or damaged through no fault of the City or its employees. New carts can be purchased at City Hall (see the Operations Desk) during business hours.

IS THE AUTOMATED GARBAGE TRUCK HARD TO OPERATE AND WILL IT INCREASE THE LIKLIHOOD OF DAMAGE TO MY PERSONAL PROPERTY? The automated garbage trucks operate much differently than the City’s current garbage trucks but will not cause an increase of damage to private property. Training will be provided to all operators to ensure safe operation of the new truck. The truck will be equipped with a recording camera, which will document any damage to personal property.

WILL I SET OUT MY NEW CART IN THE SAME PLACE AS I CURRENTLY PUT MY GARBAGE CAN? The collection routes have been reviewed and revised as necessary to maximize the efficiency of the automated collection system. If your collection locations change, you will be notified. Please ensure there is 1 meter (just over 3 feet) clearance around the cart and that the front of the cart is facing the road (wheel side of the cart toward the house).

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH CART IS MINE IF IT GETS MIXED UP WITH THE NEIGHBOUR’S CART? Each cart has a unique serial number on the side of the cart. It is recommended that you write that number down, so you can then easily identify your cart. 4 CAN THE NEW TRUCK WORK ON A HILL? Yes, the automated garbage truck will work on the hills and terrain within the City of Kimberley.

CAN THE NEW TRUCK WORK IN AN ALLEY? No, the automated garbage truck cannot work in most alleys. In most locations cart pick up will be from the front street. The collection routes will be reviewed to ensure that efficient service is provided to your residence.

WILL THE NEIGHBOUR’S CAR INTERFERE WITH MY NEW CART BEING COLLECTED? The automated truck is capable of picking up collection carts in close quarters. As a standard, the 1-metre (just over 3 feet) rule applies: place your cart 1m away from the curb, other carts or a vehicle.

WILL THE NEW SYSTEM REDUCE AVAILABLE ON-STREET PARKING? No. A basic 1-metre (just over 3 feet) rule will apply: the new collection carts should be placed 1m from the curb and other nearby obstacles.

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE VERY MUCH GARBAGE, DO I STILL HAVE TO DRAG OUT A LARGE CART EVERY WEEK? No. However, if your garbage becomes smelly or potentially attracts wildlife, you may want it emptied every week. If you can store your waste safe from wildlife for more than a week, you can place your cart out only when it is full, if you prefer.

WILL THE GARBAGE TRUCK OPERATOR PICK UP MY GARBAGE CART IF THE LID IS OPEN A LITTLE BIT? No. The lid for the garbage cart needs to be completely closed to be able to be tipped into the truck. Having the lid open, even slightly, allows garbage to escape either by wind or birds, or encourages animals to get into the garbage.

IS THIS AUTOMATED GARBAGE SYSTEM BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT? Automated collection is more efficient, environmentally-friendly and economical than manual collection. In addition, providing standardized carts to all residents improves curbside aesthetics by presenting a cleaner, uniform appearance and provides less opportunity for windblown debris and litter at the curbside. Additionally, the automated trucks serve more homes in a day – which means fewer truck hours on the road and less emissions.

WHEN I MOVE DO I TAKE MY CARTS WITH ME? No. Please leave the City-issued cart, in clean condition, at your address. If you are moving to a different address in Kimberley, there should be a cart there when you arrive.

I AM MOVING INTO A BRAND NEW HOME IN KIMBERLEY; HOW DO I GET A GARBAGE COLLECTION CART? Apply for a new cart at City Hall during business hours. Once your information is obtained, a collection cart will be assigned and delivered with a set of instructions for the new resident.

5 WILL THE COLLECTION CART BE WILDLIFE RESISTANT / BEAR PROOF? The standard automated collection cart is as wildlife-resistant as the ordinary garbage cans previously used by Kimberley residents. • If you currently store your garbage can in a location that is safe from wildlife, that location will also be fine for the new collection cart. Garbage odour is an attractant to wildlife. • Most of the items that cause odour in your solid waste are your food scraps and food- soiled paper. • To reduce odour, many food-soiled containers can be rinsed. (Better yet – check to see if it can be recycled!) • If you don’t have a secure inside location to store your cart, freeze or keep indoors any material that might attract wildlife and then put it out on collection day. • The collection carts have a lid that closes relatively firmly, as long as the cart is not overfilled. • The lid is to stay closed when the cart is placed out for collection. The lid will open automatically when the garbage truck empties the cart. • If you live in an area that is frequented by bears, you need to take the required precautions to discourage bears from visiting your garbage cart and to ensure that bears do not get into your garbage. • Bears are creatures of opportunity and if they know where they can get an easy meal, they will return to the same place. • Do not place anything in your garbage that a bear might be able to smell from a distance.

WILL THE TRUCK BE ABLE TO PICK MY CART IN THE WINTER MONTHS & WHERE DO I PUT MY CART? The automated garbage truck is designed to be able to pick up carts in all seasons. During the winter, every resident can put their cart where they normally put them during the rest of the year, as long as the cart is: - sitting on the ground or asphalt (not on a snow bank) - at least 1m (just over 3ft) away from other obstructions, such as a vehicle - not blocked by any other obstruction that impedes the tipping arm of the truck

HOW WILL I HANDLE MY NEW COLLECTION CART IN THE WINTER? The collection cart should be easier to use in the winter than your current standard garbage can. The wheels on the carts are designed to be easily maneuverable through all seasons, including through snow in the winter. If your cart is not overloaded, it should be easy to wheel.

For more information please contact: City of Kimberley Operations Desk at 250-427-9660 or [email protected]