MANTUA TOWNSHIP AUTOMATED TRASH COLLECTION INFORMATION

 The Township Committee has been studying ways to reduce the cost of dispose of our solid waste.  While the Township Budget is capped by State Law to increase only by 2.5% each year, solid waste costs have increased by approximately 20% each year for the last few years.

On August 21, 2006 Mantua Township is going to start Automated Trash Collection.  This program is more efficient and less labor intensive, it would allow one man per truck instead of three, which would free up employees so that a weekly recycling pickup could be implemented without increasing staff and cost.

 There will be a demonstration of the new collection process at Community Day on Saturday, June 3rd.  Also, there will be a Town Meeting held on Wednesday, June 28th at 7 PM to answer any questions residents may have.

 Information about Automated Trash Collection:

Automated Trash Collection is the collection of trash using a one-armed trash truck. The mechanical arm is connected to the side of the trash truck and collects specially designed carts at the curb. This system requires only one person to operate as the driver controls everything from the cab of the truck. The driver directs the mechanical arm to reach out to grasp and lift the cart, he retracts and dumps the carts contents into the hopper, and then returns the cart to its original location. In contrast, the traditional collection system previously employed by the Township required two laborers and one driver to collect the solid waste.

About The Cart

The Automated Collection System requires the use of a specially designed cart. Regular garbage cans can not be used with this system. You will be issued (1) one new automated (95) ninety-five gallon collection cart. The cart is the only container that may be used for your regular household waste. The cart is designed to handle normal household trash from a six (6) member family that recycles properly.  

The cart has been stamped with a serial number and is the property of the Township of Mantua. Should you move from your current location, the cart must remain for the next resident.

Using the Cart.

Before moving the cart, grasp the handle and tilt back slightly towards you. Push or pull the cart to roll it. Use care when rolling on slopes, inclines and/or steps.

Place your cart out for collection by 5:00 am on the morning of your weekly collection day. Please do not place your cart out before 5:00 pm on the day before collection day and please remove cart within 12 hours of being collected.

Where to place your cart.

Set your cart at the curb or at the edge of the street in front of your house with the handle facing the house. The collector will return the container to the same place when empty. Please do not place your cart in front of mailboxes or other obstructions such as telephone poles, water hydrants, or parked vehicles. The cart will need (4) four feet of clearance all the way around in order to be collected. Also, keep recyclables and other items away from cart.

Cart maintenance and upkeep.

Never put food waste directly into your cart. All trash must be placed into sealed plastic trash bags to reduce odors and insects. Periodically wash out the cart with regular soap and water to reduce odors. Sprinkling ammonia into the can will also reduce odors and pests. Try to store cart in a cool dry place when possible and keep out of sunlight, as the UV rays are detrimental to plastics.

Dispose of medical wastes such as syringes and needles by placing them into a hard plastic container with a screw on lid. With lid properly secure place into cart and not with recyclables.

If your cart needs repair please notify the Streets & Roads Department at 468-1502.

What to put in the Cart.

Your cart is designed for the disposal of normal household trash. All materials shall be placed into sealed plastic bags. Pet owners shall double bag pet wastes and cat litter. Saw dust shall also be bagged and sealed.

What not to put in the cart.

The following items may not be disposed of in the cart: recyclables, hot ashes, ammunition, motor oil, chemicals, grass, leaves, sod, concrete, flammable liquids, hazardous waste, paints, solvents, contractors debris, or dead animals.

For the disposal of any of these items listed above contact the Streets & Roads Department.

Bulk items.

Bulk items will be collected on your Trash Day the first full week of every month.  Bulky items include but not limited to: doors, windows, carpets, fence, auto parts, brush, furniture, or white goods.  NOTE: Carpeting and brush shall be cut in lengths of (4) feet and tied with string or twine, and not weight more than (50) pounds.

The following items will not be collected by the Streets & Roads Dept: hazardous materials and construction and remodeling debris such as plywood, shingles, bricks, stone, insulation, siding, sheet rock, flooring, and carpets if work is done by a contractor.