Features Include Twice Per Week Semi-Automated Trash Pick-Up; “Single Stream” Recycling; Neighborhoods Taking Part in Pilot Program will Switch to New System
ROCKVILLE, Md., July 3, 2007 — Rockville’s Mayor and Council have adopted a new citywide refuse and recycling collection system that, among other things, continues the city’s traditional twice per week refuse collection, but adds some new features. The new system will use semi-automated technology and equipment for trash pick-up. It also will provide for "single stream," once per week, recycling collection. The changes are expected to reduce worker injuries, improve neighborhood cleanliness and encourage recycling. The changes follow a 15-month pilot program, and several months of input from the public.
The new program is expected to begin in the spring of 2008. Those homes that have been part of the pilot program and were having their refuse picked up once a week, will be switched to twice a week collection in mid-August. They also will be provided with single-stream recycling collection at the same time. They will be formally notified of the changes within the next two weeks.
The semi-automated system will employ mechanical lift arms mounted on trucks to hoist specially designed wheeled carts. The carts will be provided by the City and collected at the curb or alley. Refuse will no longer be picked up at back doors except at the homes of people who are unable to transport their refuse to the curb and who, therefore, request back-door collection service.
The changes to recycling will allow residents to place most materials approved for recycling – including mixed paper, cardboard, bottles, aluminum cans and plastic – into one container without separating them. This new system of "single stream" recycling replaces a system that currently requires residents to separate paper and cardboard from glass, aluminum and plastic.
The City will now employ new vehicles with "knuckleboom" mechanical arms that will collect large branches so they do not have to be cut and bundled. The "knuckleboom" also will enable the City to more quickly clean up after trees that have fallen during storms and pick up bulk items. All bulky items, such as furniture, plus large, metal items would be collected by appointment only. Each home will be able to make use of this service up to six times per year.
For the current fiscal year that began July 1, 2007, residents will pay the monthly fee of $32.70 previously approved as part of the City’s annual budget. Estimated increases over the next several years are projected at $34.55 in FY09, $36.50 in FY10, $38.55 in FY11 and $40.70 in FY12.
The members of the Mayor and Council voting for the new system were Councilmembers Robert Dorsey, Phyllis Marcuccio, and Anne Robbins. A previous motion to allow residents to choose a twice or once per week trash pick up, with fees reflecting that choice, failed on a 2-3 vote, with support from Mayor Larry Giammo and Councilmember Susan Hoffmann.
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