Home > Talk of East Texas > Archives > 2008 > October > 10 > Entry
City trash service may ditch bags
Longview is thinking about bagging trash bags.
The city has been running a pilot program since July in east-central Longview in which some residents have been given hard plastic cans with wheels that are mechanically lifted and emptied into a garbage truck. Such systems are in place around the state and could save the city money, Sanitation and Fleet Services Manager Dwayne Archer said.
What do you think of the new trash program?
Comments
By Cathey Metcalf
October 13, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
I would be interested in a smaller bin. I am on the pilot route, and normally put out 1-2 small bags per week. The bin is not as convenient for me as the bags were. The large bin is hard to manuever, so I have left mine at the curb. Since the bin is left open after pick up, I have to make a trip to the curb just to close it. I would like the city to consider a smaller container, one that is easier for senior citizens to use.
By Dave Redd
October 10, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
Lufkin, Texas has been using the system for years and the driver operates from his driver’s seat The trash bin lifts up and dumps in seconds. Comes by “once a week”. I thought Longview, being a larger city, would have done this much sooner. Your antiquated system is very costly.
By mia
October 10, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
So how does this work? Every time you need to throw something away, you walk out to the curb to throw it away? Or do you bring the nasty thing inside your home? Who is going to be responsible for the cleaning? It seems very unsanitary.
By C.R. Caudle
October 10, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
Question: When we bag up leaves/trimmings for a special pickup…will we be charged extra…for using bags…and for the special pickup? If so..perhaps the city should rescind the no burning of leaves inside the city limits. Remember…our economic resources are collapsing, along with the U.S. economy.
By gustavous adolphus
October 10, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
I have 15 pick-ups. All but one are low volume ..one or two 10/15 gallon bags or often a couple of grocery sacks. No need for big cans and no place for storage of the cans. Some would be in the front yard, others on an alley where the truck backs in. all out in the open and no place to put them where a truck can back up to them. what will you do with yard trash .. tied bundles or extra cans. maybe both.
By LeAnne Volle
October 10, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
I just moved here from Tucson, AZ where the city provided 2 plastic bins for each residence. The green one was for trash, and the blue one for recycling. The trucks came by once a week. That by itself would cut down on cost. When I moved here I was shocked by the fact that they came by 2x a week.
The trucks themselves picked up the bins, the driver almost never got out of the truck. We were told exactly how to position the bin on the curb.
I like the idea of different costs for different sizes of bins. I am single and generally fill one plastic bag a week.
By David Johnson
October 10, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
This form of refuse collection is not automated. It is semi- automated because the driver has to get out of the truck, attach the can, empty it, and then re-attach it and set it back on the curb. It is less efficient than the current system, especially only using one driver. A fully automated collection system uses one driver who stays in the truck while emptying a container. Much more cost efficient. Longview would do well to consider that over what is proposed.