Danville City Council voted Tuesday night to require all residential properties to use only garbage carts that can be emptied by specially designed trucks that mechanically lift and dump the carts. The requirement takes effect Jan. 1.
The carts would have attached lids and wheels. Currently, the Public Works Department is selling these carts to the public, but their use is not mandatory. The carts some in two sizes, 64 gallons and 96 gallons. The department is hoping to sell 35-gallon, wheeled carts with attached lids.
“These carts provide the cleanest, most sanitary method of garbage collection,” Public Works Director Rich Drazenovich told council members.
Drazenovich said the change also would maximize the efficiency of the garbage collection operation by saving on time and manpower needed. The department would consolidate routes, eliminating one garbage collection crew.
Nearly two years ago, the city discontinued backyard collection and began curbside-only solid waste collection for residents. Today, all city routes are being collected by side-loading trucks that can mechanically lift and empty attached-lid, wheeled carts.