Automatic garbage trucks coming to Idaho Falls?
Idaho Falls is thinking about changing the way it picks up trash. On Thursday a public meeting was held so people could ask questions about the proposal. The department is still seeking public input following the meeting. Comments will be accepted until the end of October.
The Public Works Department said it wants to make the switch to automated garbage trucks because it would reduce expenses and work-related injuries. People at Thursday’s meeting spoke in favor and against the switch.
“The problem is people having to get accustomed to gathering their garbage between the in-house and yard work stuff and different sizing and how it fits in your garage,” said Rod Thomas of Idaho Falls.
The Public Works Department said it is working on getting various trash can sizes, but it’s a process. Under the department’s proposal, a 96-gallon container will be given to every home, which is almost equivalent to two regular trash cans.
“They are going to offer in phase one a one-size can, but as residents see what they need the city might be able to give you a smaller container later on,” said Clarissa Olsen of Idaho Falls.
Assistant Public Works Director Chris Camfield said if the City Council approves the switch to automated trucks it won’t happen overnight.
“This is a three-year phase approach. The first year would take into account a third of the city that has curbside pickup and as we replace our schedule we will implement the auto-load as we can,” Camfield said.
Camfield also said the approach would start with two automated trucks, but the goal is to get five or six.
“As we acquire the trucks you can target about 800 households a day so we have identified clusters of subdivisions within each day. We don’t want to change the day garbage is picked up, hopefully the only change is that they will be using a larger container versus multiple cans,” Camfield said.
If you couldn’t attend Thursday’s meeting, submit comments via email toifengr@idahofallsidaho.gov. The comments will be presented at a City Council meeting in mid-November. The comments will be used in the council’s decision to make the switch.
