Automated Garbage Collection FAQ
Below is a list of questions we answer frequently. If your question is
not addressed here, you can call us at 281.446.2030 or use our
General Inquiry Form to send us your question
via email. A customer service representative will respond your message
within 24 business hours (excluding weekend and holiday).
What is Automated Collection?
Automated Collection is a system of garbage collection
that requires a special vehicle and garbage container. This state of the art
waste collection system has been very successful when implemented across the
United States. Each home is furnished with a special container that the
resident rolls out to the end of the drive-way by 7:00am on collection day.
The garbage truck is equipped with a lifting mechanism (an arm) that reaches
out to the container at the curbside, lifts and empties the contents into
the truck, and returns the container to its original position. The operator
never leaves the cab of the truck, but controls the entire loading operation
from the driver’s seat. The entire process takes about 10-12 seconds. After
collection, the resident rolls the durable, weather resistant container back
to either its indoor or outdoor storage area.
Why is Automated Collection better than
traditional methods of garbage collection?
The most important feature of an automated system is that
it allows for the collection of garbage to be done more efficiently. The
automated collection vehicle requires a crew of only one driver as compared
to a crew of three persons under the present manual collection system.
Manual collection poses many health risks – back injuries, lacerations, and
even needle-stick punctures. Automated collection greatly reduces the
potential for such events to occur.
Republic Waste Services (RWS) will provide each resident with a durable
container with a close fitting lid. This eliminates the need for the
resident to purchase personal cans; therefore reducing the overall costs to
the client.
The container provided will reduce windblown litter and improves the
appearance of the neighborhood. Not to mention, impeding critters from
getting into your garbage.
The containers are well-balanced and easily maneuverable, making them simple
to roll to and from the curb. No more dragging heavy trash cans to the
street or bags bursting on the way to the curb. Now you can take your trash
out before leaving for work without fear of staining your clothes or getting
dirty.
Finally, with the rise of fuel, medical, and other operating expenses, the
efficiencies gained with automation help to control rising costs that
eventually are paid by you – the consumer.
When do I place my container at curbside for
service?
The trash container must be set out for service no later
than 7:00am on your regularly scheduled service day. After service, simply
roll your container back to what ever location you choose to store it.
May I continue to use my old container?
The specially equipped truck that will be used can only
service the container provided to you by RWS. Any container not issued by
RWS will not be serviced.
Residents wishing to dispose of their personal trash cans
may set them out on their heavy trash collection day and our crews will
collect them. The cans should be labeled, PLEASE DISPOSE, to avoid any
confusion.
What kind of debris may I place in the
container?
You may place typical household garbage in the container.
In an effort to maintain container cleanliness, we encourage you to use
plastic bags for your garbage and to occasionally rinse it out with a hose
and some Clorox. This helps retard bacterial growth and minimize odors.
Please do not place grass, leaves, or brush in the
container unless properly and securely bagged – as you would your household
garbage. Absolutely no building debris, rocks/dirt, or hazardous material
may be placed in the container.
What size container is available and what if
it is not sufficient to hold all of my garbage?
The RWS issued container is a 95-gallon cart. This is
slightly larger than three of your typical 30-gallon trash cans from your
local hardware store. This is typically more than adequate for the average
household. However, should a resident have the need of an additional cart,
they will need to call RWS at 281-446-2030 to arrange the delivery of the
cart.
How will I get my container?
For communities converting to automated service, residents
will receive their 95-gallon cart within two (2) weeks prior to the
beginning of automated service. For residents subscribing to garbage
collection services in communities that are already automated, they will
receive their 95-gallon cart within seven (7) days from signing up for
service.
Where do I place the container on collection
day?
Place the container in the street gutter with the wheels
against the curb for added stability. If a curb is not present, place the
cart within three (3) feet of the edge of the roadway. Carts should be at
least (4) feet away from any mailbox, obstacle, vehicle or additional issued
RWS 95-gallon cart.
Always place the container at the curb or roadway with
wheels and handle toward your home. Please do not park at the curb on
collection day. A parked vehicle preventing service of the container will
result in a missed service and will be made up on your next regularly
scheduled service day.
Who replaces damaged or stolen containers?
We expect residents to take good care of the container
provided to them by RWS. Damaged containers as a result of normal wear and
tear will be replaced or repaired by RWS. However, any damaged containers
resulting from misuse, mutilation, abuse, or vandalism will be replaced at
the expense of the resident.
If the container is stolen, you will be required to pay for its replacement.
A stolen container should be reported to the police department.
Can I take my container with me if I move?
The container is issued to an address and must not be
removed from the premises. The container is to be left for the use of the
next resident at that address or picked up by RWS.