CITY EXPANDS AUTOMATED TRASH
COLLECTION PROGRAM IN JANUARY 2006
Frederick, Md. --- Beginning January 2, 2006, the City of Frederick will begin expanding its Automated Trash Collection Program for single family homes in the following neighborhoods: Amber Meadows; Clover Ridge; College Estates; E. Patrick St. area (King Ave., Davis Ave., Key Ave., Monroe Ave., Highland St., E. Patrick St., Franklin St., Hamilton Ave., Pennsylvania Ave., Virginia Ave., Maryland Ave.); portions of Hillcrest; Emerald Farms; Golfview; Lake Coventry; Monarch Ridge; Monocacy Meadows; Monocacy Village; Old Farm; Overlook; Rivercrest; Rock Creek Estates; Stonegate Farms; Taskers Chance; Villa Estates; Walnut Ridge; Warfield; Waverley View; Whittier (W. Greenleaf Drive area not currently being served); Willowcrest; and Winters Run.
On December 9, 2005 residents will be able to visit the City Of Frederick’s website at www.cityoffrederick.com to view a map of the areas included in the Automated Trash Collection Program.
Homes being directly affected by these changes will be receiving pamphlets within the next seven to 10 days with details on the program.
Automated trash collection is a technologically advanced system of refuse collection that allows one person to safely and efficiently collect curbside refuse. The system is called “automated” because a special truck, equipped with a mechanical arm, automatically lifts and empties the trash container without the driver ever leaving the cab of the truck. The Program focuses on neighborhoods with ideal collection conditions (e.g., single family homes; limited on-street parking).
As a part of the Automated Trash Collection Program the City will provide each residence located within the Program area with one cart. The standard cart size is 96-gallons, though residents may request a smaller, 65-gallon cart, if that better suits their needs. Residents may also purchase additional carts (65-gallon and/or 96-gallon) if the need arises. The costs for 65- and 96-gallon carts are $36 and $38, respectively. Residents who purchase additional carts will be charged a quarterly fee for each cart in excess of one. These fees are $25 per quarter for each additional 65-gallon cart, and $30 per quarter for each additional 96-gallon cart. Residences should begin using their new container immediately upon receipt.
Residents in the Automated Trash Collection Program area will be required to use the carts provided by the City, to ensure container compatibility with the truck’s mechanical collection arm. The carts are easy for residents to maneuver and present a much cleaner curbside appearance.
The following is a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Automated Trash Collection Program:
What are the advantages of Automated Collection?
Cost - Operational and liability costs are much lower.
Ease of Use - Large volume carts are easy to maneuver.
Sanitation - Carts prevent animal scavenging.
Aesthetics - Cleaner curbside appearance.
Noise - Automated trucks emit less noise.
Safety - Minimize occupational hazards.
Why are special carts required?
Carts must be compatible with truck’s mechanical arm.
What do I do when it snows?
Place the cart where it will not impede the flow of traffic.
Why do I need to bag my trash inside the cart?
It prevents loose items from spilling out when dumped.
Where can I store my cart?
In the garage, alongside the house, or in the backyard. Consult your homeowner’s association for applicable rules.
Does all trash have to fit inside the cart?
Yes. Refuse outside the cart will not be collected.
What if I have too much trash to fit into the cart?
If infrequent, simply hold trash until the next collection. If a regular occurrence, please purchase another cart (additional fees apply). Call 301-600-1377 to obtain more information on purchasing additional carts.
What if I have large items to dispose of?
Contact the Streets Department at 301-600-1680 for information on Bulk Pickup Services.
What if my cart gets damaged or stolen?
You are responsible for the security of your container. If damaged by the City’s equipment, the City will replace the container free of charge. These containers are warranted for 10 years. Damages resulting from negligence or abuse by the customer will be the responsibility of the customer.
What do I do with my old trashcan?
You may use it for storage of items such as garden tools. If residents want to dispose of their old trashcans they can place a note, “PLEASE TAKE” on the old trashcan during their first week of automated collection and the City will dispose of it.
Do parked vehicles cause problems?
No. Always place carts at least 3 feet away from parked vehicles.
What do I do if I cannot safely maneuver my cart?
Reasonable accommodations will be provided to individuals served by the automated collection system that are incapable of conveying their automated refuse container to the designated point of collection. The resident shall be required to produce a medical statement of their inability to convey their automated refuse container to the designated point of collection.
For further information regarding the Automated Trash Collection Program please contact the Superintendent of Waste Collection and Disposal, Gerald Palm, at 301-600-1377.