AUTOMATED SANITATION SERVICE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Automation?
Public Works will begin picking up residential garbage with a new type of truck around February of 2010. Residents will be furnished with a special weather-resistant garbage cart that they will roll to the curb on the day of garbage collection. The new truck is equipped with a lifting mechanism and arm to reach out and pick up the new cart. The driver operates the arm in order to lift, empty the contents, and return the cart back to its original position.

Why is it better?
It makes Athens a cleaner community, reduces costs, is a pleasing appearance and is a safer way to collect garbage.

How do I use the cart?
Just place your garbage bags inside the container, close the lid, place one foot on the bar and pull back on the handle. The cart was made with ergonomics in mind and will not be heavy due to the large wheels. Please do not place bags outside the cart.

What can I put in the cart?
You can place all of your normal household waste inside the cart. We ask that you bag all of the garbage, if not, garbage will spill out onto the street. To clean the cart just occasionally hose out. Any large items that can be recycled such as large cardboard boxes we ask that you please take to the recycle center.  However, boxes can also be placed inside the tote cart.

Can I use my old garbage cans?
With the new automated system you may not use garbage cans other than the City issued cart. The new trucks can only pick up the City issued carts. If you would like to recycle your old garbage cans once the new system is in place you may set them out upside down and city crews will pick them up and they will be recycled if possible.

Do I have to pay for the cart?
No you will not have to pay for the new cart. Your normal monthly charge for garbage service will stay the same.

Is a 96-gallon cart sufficient?
For most families, the 96 gallon cart will be more than sufficient. The new cart can hold up to 3 32 gallon cans of bagged garbage. If your household is producing more garbage than the 96 gallon cart will hold we suggest recycling or getting a second cart. If you get the second cart your monthly garbage bill will go up from $7.50 a month to $12.00 a month.

Where should I place my cart and will the truck go down my street twice?
City crews will paint a white dot on the street in the location you should place your tote cart.  This will typically be in the same location you are placing your containers now, but may need to be adjusted slightly so that the cart has at least 3 feet of clearance around it and that overhead obstacles will not be in the way.

Yes the truck will have to go down each street twice because the truck can only pick up the containers on the right side of the truck.  This might seem inefficient, but the truck only has one operator instead of 3 and can pick up almost twice the amount of trash in an 8 hour period as our current trucks.  

What if my cart is damaged or stolen?
There will be a serial number on each cart. That number will be assigned to your address. If you have a damaged or stolen cart please call April at 744-2749 to report.   If it is stolen you will also need to call the police department and fill out a report.  To reduce the chance of vandalism and theft wait until the night before or the morning of your collection day to set your cart to the road and return it back to your property the same day.  Leaving tote carts out for long periods of time will increase your chances for vandalism and is against our ordinance.  Those that violate this ordinance and lose a tote cart will be required to pay $55.00 for a new one.

What if I need another cart?
Should you need another cart you can call 744-2749. Please remember that recycling greatly reduces the amount of garbage that needs to be put in the cart. Also please remember that your bill will go from $7.50 a month to $12.00 with the second tote cart.

Please take a moment to watch the educational Automation Video on Channel 95 at 7 am and 7 pm or you can visit us on the web at www.cityofathenstn.com/publicworks to view the video. Should you have any other questions please contact April with Public Works at 744-2749.