One comment we hear over and over again from the public is how much they like the look of the new solid waste program with its neat rows of cranberry containers. I’m pleased to report that the positive effect of the program is not just aesthetic. Two months into the new solid waste program and the outlook is very positive. Trends in tonnage reflect definite movement towards the desired effect of reducing overall solid waste tonnage and increasing recycling.
The year-to-year comparison for March and April indicates that tonnage has been reduced by approximately 1900 tons. At the city’s current tipping rate of $71.50 per ton over $136,000 has been saved since the new program began. Extending this trend out over the course of the year produces a reduction of 10,000 tons or over $700,000. While firm data on recycling is not in yet, preliminary estimates put the rate at 15% or double where it was last year at this time.
In addition the contract with Wheelabrator, the solid waste disposal site, has been renegotiated. The new fee, going into effect on July 1, has been reduced to where average annual savings will approach $300,000. Together the new program and the new contract will save the City approximately $1 million.
This is great news for the city. Wouldn’t it help if recycling options could be extended to others not on curbside pickup, to increase recyclying quantities and potentially negotiate even better rates? I know there is significant pent-up demand, if someone could engage. Thanks!
Is there any oversight on the use of the newer collection vehicles? Today the older style (still labeled BFI) trash truck was used for pick up in my neighborhood.
Since this requires two workers instead of just the truck operator I imagine that would impact the savings. Given the weight of the barrels it likely means more risk of injury. It also makes the use and expense of the new barrels look silly. How can we justify the need if they don’t use the equipment that the barrels require. Is the collection rate locked in to protect the city?
Allied Waste has many municipal refuse clients… of which, Lowell is the only one with a Friday collection day. Allied Waste assigns those employees to Lowell on Friday rather than giving them the day off. On Fridays A.W. brings twice the fleet to Lowell (and gets the job done in 1/2 the time)… and yes most of those trucks are two-man ‘old style’ packer trucks. Once Tyngsboro, Tewksbury, Billerica & Burlington [also A.W. clients] “Go Automated” as of July 1, 2009 all the ‘extra’ trucks Allied Waste brings to Lowell will be one-man cart lifters.
As for any additional costs that may be encumbered by the contractor in the process of collection there is absolutely no additional cost to the city as the contract is negotiated at a fixed rate.
Thanks for the information.