[Southsider2k12]

Any thought of the impact on residents who have to carry those 96 gallon cans to the curb, to save the people who are being paid to empty them?

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=54341.82

Trash Containers
City Moving Toward Automatic Emptying

Editorial

Michigan City's new garbage collection system hasn't been put in place yet and it's hard not to imagine complaints being lodged already at the refuse department.

But before anyone gets bent out of shape over this major change, consider that this just might be a major improvement. It will mean fewer trash cans at the curb, and for refuse workers, it means a lot less lifting.

When the city announced it would buy two new garbage truck with lift arms that will dump trash into the truck, it also announced it would buy each household in the city a 96-gallon trash container. That container - there will be 13,000 of them at $55 each distributed to each household in the city - is compatible with the lift arm, and all refuse workers have to do is pull the container to the truck.

On average, city homes put out between two and three 33-gallon trash cans each week. Replacing those with one trash can will make trash collection go more quickly, and with workers not having to pick up containers that can weigh 100 pounds or more, it should reduce the number of arm and back injuries that refuse department workers have reported over the years.

The City Council will have to change city code to use the new trash containers, but it's something they should do. At the same time, however, if this is more efficient, the refuse department should find a way to reduce the number of employees it has.

By the time the city buys two new trucks, loading arms to retrofit existing trucks and trash cans, the cost is about $600,000, said refuse department Superintendent Jim Kintzele. "It will actually make for more orderly operations. It will reduce injuries and will release more guys for special pickups," he said.

Trash collection is one of the most basic public services a city can provide. Any way it can be done more efficiently and safely is something that needs to be considered.

Our Opinion
The Issue: Mayor Chuck Oberlie wants to spend $600,000 to go to automated garbage trucks that empty standardized containers.

Our Opinion: Refuse workers wouldn't have to hoist and empty cans and risk injury. The new system should be more efficient, but if so, then the city should find a way to reduce staffing.

[Ang]

They come on wheels. We have them here. I love em. The lids are attached and snap down so critters can't get into the cans. And they hold a TON of garbage!

[Southsider2k12]

Duh on the wheels!

Anyway, any chance the cuts at the sanitation department can start with the cronies who knew someone to get jobs there? That would definately be worth it!

[Ang]

I think the only way that can happen is to get rid of the top cronies who are hiring their friends/relatives first.