MONROE - Automation could save the city hundreds of thousands of dollars in trash collection.
At a meeting of the Board of Public works Monday, department heads recommended the city continue to collect its own residential trash rather than outsource the service. But, they said, the city needs to move to an automated collection system to realize the cost savings.
A city-owned trash collection system using garbage trucks equipped with mechanical arms that pick up and dump specialized trash and recycling containers could save the city at least $50,000 to $67,000 annually, when compared to proposals from four vendors, according to a cost analysis prepared by City Administrator Phil Rath and Street Department Supervisor Tom Boll. Pellitteri Waste Systems, Rock Valley Disposal, Veolia Environmental Services and Waste Management Inc. submitted proposals at the city's request.
The city's anticipated costs include purchasing new trucks and carts used by homeowners, as well as set-aside capital for replacement costs in the future.
While the analysis showed the city can "out bid" private vendors for the services using the automated collection system, it also showed the city could save $370,000 annually on a four-year average or $393,000 on an 8-year average when compared to its current system of using two men to throw bags into the back of garbage trucks.
Most of the savings in automation comes from reducing labor costs, because only one person is needed to operate a truck, Rath said. Trash pickup would be reduced to four, rather than five, days per week, and fewer trips would be made the county transfer station to unload, he added.
Residents would receive trash pickups weekly and recycling pickup every two weeks. Trash pickup fees would be calculated on the cart sizes residents choose to use.
City residents currently have one bag of trash pickup per week included in their quarterly water bill. To dispose of an additional bag, residents must purchase a sticker for $2.
According to Rath, the opportunity to review the total costs arose as the city was preparing to replace its current garbage trucks, now 13 years old.
The board took no action Monday, as members requested the entire issue be moved to the Common Council for further discussion. The council is expected to take up the issue Tuesday, June 19.
At a meeting of the Board of Public works Monday, department heads recommended the city continue to collect its own residential trash rather than outsource the service. But, they said, the city needs to move to an automated collection system to realize the cost savings.
A city-owned trash collection system using garbage trucks equipped with mechanical arms that pick up and dump specialized trash and recycling containers could save the city at least $50,000 to $67,000 annually, when compared to proposals from four vendors, according to a cost analysis prepared by City Administrator Phil Rath and Street Department Supervisor Tom Boll. Pellitteri Waste Systems, Rock Valley Disposal, Veolia Environmental Services and Waste Management Inc. submitted proposals at the city's request.
The city's anticipated costs include purchasing new trucks and carts used by homeowners, as well as set-aside capital for replacement costs in the future.
While the analysis showed the city can "out bid" private vendors for the services using the automated collection system, it also showed the city could save $370,000 annually on a four-year average or $393,000 on an 8-year average when compared to its current system of using two men to throw bags into the back of garbage trucks.
Most of the savings in automation comes from reducing labor costs, because only one person is needed to operate a truck, Rath said. Trash pickup would be reduced to four, rather than five, days per week, and fewer trips would be made the county transfer station to unload, he added.
Residents would receive trash pickups weekly and recycling pickup every two weeks. Trash pickup fees would be calculated on the cart sizes residents choose to use.
City residents currently have one bag of trash pickup per week included in their quarterly water bill. To dispose of an additional bag, residents must purchase a sticker for $2.
According to Rath, the opportunity to review the total costs arose as the city was preparing to replace its current garbage trucks, now 13 years old.
The board took no action Monday, as members requested the entire issue be moved to the Common Council for further discussion. The council is expected to take up the issue Tuesday, June 19.